A batching system

Abstract

The batching system comprises a weight for weighing each article in a population of articles and a circular multi-head weigher including a plurality of weighing hoppers for batching articles from the population into batches having a target weight or a target weight range with a target mean value. There is a memory for storing parameters of a substantially symmetric weight distribution having a mean corresponding to the target weight or the target mean value, and a controller for determining a plurality of articles from the population of articles such that the plurality of articles having a weight distribution corresponding to the first substantially symmetric weight distribution.

Description

[0001] A batching system

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to a production facility / packaging facility where articles such as solid food products such as pieces of a chicken are batched together and placed in a batch / package.

[0004] Such a packaging facility continuously receives articles and batches the articles according to incoming orders in order to fulfil the orders as good as possible. An order could for example be 1000 batches of 600 g chicken legs, and another order could be 500 batches of 400 g chicken legs batched by a robot.

[0005] An example of an order fulfilment system is disclosed in WO2022112170 and WO2013156783, which are incorporated in the present disclosure by reference.

[0006] Different orders may be packaged at different production lines / machines.

[0007] The orders may be prioritized, e.g. one order may be prioritized over another so that the articles distributed to a production line depends on the priority of the corresponding order. This means that one production line may receive a first set / population of articles, and another production line may receive a second set of articles.

[0008] A multi-head weigher is efficient for batching the articles. However, the multi-head weigher is only as effective as its input.

[0009] When there are multiple production lines, a production line with a multi-head weigher may not necessarily receive a set of articles that is suitable for an efficient operation of the multi-head weigher. For example, the multi-head weigher may operate at a low capacity, because it continuously waits for articles at a certain weight in order to complete a batch, but these articles have been delivered to another process / production line.

[0010] A first aspect of the present disclosure is:

[0011] A method for weighing and batching articles such as solid food products, said method comprising: - providing a weight,

[0012] - providing a population of articles, and weighing each article in said population of articles by means of said weight,

[0013] - providing a batching apparatus comprising a multi-head weigher including a plurality of weighing hoppers for batching articles from said population into batches having a target weight or a target weight range with a target mean value,

[0014] - defining a first substantially symmetric weight distribution having a mean corresponding to said target weight or said target mean value,

[0015] - providing a controller, and determining a plurality of articles from said population of articles by means of said controller such that said plurality of articles having a weight distribution corresponding to said first substantially symmetric weight distribution, said population of articles comprising a larger number of articles than said plurality of articles,

[0016] - providing a conveyor and conveying said plurality of articles to said multi-head weigher, and

[0017] - batching articles from said plurality of articles into batches by means of said multi-head weigher.

[0018] A second aspect of the present disclosure is:

[0019] A system for weighing and batching articles such as solid food products, said system comprising:

[0020] - a weight for weighing each article in a population of articles,

[0021] - a batching apparatus comprising a multi-head weigher including a plurality of weighing hoppers for batching articles from said population into batches having a target weight or a target weight range with a target mean value, - a memory for storing parameters of a substantially symmetric weight distribution having a mean corresponding to said target weight or said target mean value,

[0022] - a controller for determining a plurality of articles from said population of articles such that said plurality of articles having a weight distribution corresponding to said first substantially symmetric weight distribution, said population of articles comprising a larger number of articles than said plurality of articles,

[0023] - a conveyor and conveying said plurality of articles to said multi-head weigher.

[0024] A third aspect of the present disclosure is:

[0025] A method for weighing and batching articles such as solid food products, said method comprising:

[0026] - providing a weight,

[0027] - providing a population of articles, and weighing each article in said population of articles by means of said weight,

[0028] - providing a batching apparatus comprising a multi-head weigher including a plurality of weighing hoppers for batching articles from said population into batches having a target weight or a target weight range with a target mean value,

[0029] - defining a first substantially symmetric weight distribution having a mean corresponding to said target weight or said target mean value,

[0030] - providing a controller, and determining a plurality of articles from said population of articles to be fed to said multi-head weigher,

[0031] - providing a conveyor and conveying said plurality of articles to said multi-head weigher, and

[0032] - batching articles from said plurality of articles into batches by means of said multi-head weigher. With a mean corresponding to the target weight or the target mean value is meant that the mean is not to deviate with more than 20 % such as 10 % from the target weight or the target mean value, e.g. it is desired that the mean is as close to being equal to the target weight or the target mean value as possible.

[0033] With a weight distribution corresponding to the substantially symmetric weight distribution is meant that articles are identified / selected from the population such that these articles have a weight distribution that is as close to being equal to the defined symmetric weight distribution, e.g. the means of the two distributions is not to deviate with more than 20 % such as 10 % at the end points of the two distributions or the standard deviation of the two distributions is not to deviate with more than 20 % such as 10 %. Said in other words, a plurality of articles intended to be fed to the multi-head weigher are determined such that these articles have a weight distribution that obeys a set / de- fined mean of the weight distribution and width of the weight distribution. The weight distribution is to be symmetric.

[0034] The multi-head weigher may be a circular multi-head weigher, or it may be a linear multihead weigher for example.

[0035] A multi-head weigher may also be referred to as a combination weighing machine. In general, it is a batching machine comprising storage for storing a number of articles at individual positions such as a plurality of pans with 1-4 articles in each pan or a surface with the articles distributed on the surface.

[0036] The multi-head weigher may not necessarily comprise one weight per weighing head. Instead it may comprise one (single) weight and the weight of each article having been weighed on the weight may be memorized by a memory and the position of the article tracked, so that it will still be known what the weight of the contents in a pan is, or the weight of an article at a position on the surface is, e.g. a memory comprises data so that the weight of each article on the surface is known.

[0037] Each weighing head may comprise a bucket for storing a number of articles.

[0038] Substantially symmetric weight distribution A substantially symmetric weight distribution may have a parametric skew inside the range -0.25 to 0.25, such as -0.1 to 0.1.

[0039] In the following specific examples according to aspects of the present disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms than depicted below, and should not be construed as limited to any examples set forth herein. Rather, any examples are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.

[0040] Fig. 1 illustrates a packaging facility / system with two process lines.

[0041] The first process is a batching by a multi-head weigher 10. Fig. 1 illustrates a circular multi-head weigher.

[0042] Such a batching machine may batch very efficiently, e.g. it may have a high capacity, but not necessarily arrange the articles very neatly in a batch. The multi-head weigher has a plurality of weigher heads including a first weigher head 11 (with a first weight for weighing the contents of said first weighing head), e.g. a weighing head comprising a weight for weighing the contents in the weighing head. Each weighing head comprises a weight. The multi-head weigher combines the contents of a plurality of weighing heads into a pan. It may be two or three or even more of the weighing heads where the contents are combined.

[0043] A circular multi-head weigher has the weighing heads arranged on a circle.

[0044] Above or below each weighing head may be arranged another bucket functioning as a buffer. This is not shown in the drawings.

[0045] Robot batcher

[0046] The second process is a batching by a robot batcher preferably including a robot arm. Such a batching machine may batch neatly, e.g. the articles are fed to the robot batcher on a conveyor belt for example. The robot batcher may also be fed with articles in a container where the robot arm may pick up each article. The robot batcher picks up an article by means of visual inspection (a camera may be used to identify the position and / or orientation of an article with respect to the robot batcher (robot arm)).

[0047] The robot batcher then arranges the article in a tray / batch, and continues to pick up another article. The same robot batcher may arrange all articles in a tray or there may be several robot batchers such that each robot batcher arranges no more than one or two articles in the tray.

[0048] In the figure four robot arms including a first robot arm 12 are illustrated and two conveyors such as belt conveyors are shown transporting trays next to the robots.

[0049] Another process than a robot batcher may be contemplated. This could be a second circular multi-head weigher. But in the following a robot batcher is mentioned even though it could be another process / batching machine.

[0050] Third process

[0051] There may be more than two process lines in the facility, e.g. there could also be a third process with a third batching machine.

[0052] Determining the population

[0053] As mentioned, the articles may arrive at the facility on trucks. The articles may temporarily be stored in a refrigerated container.

[0054] The batching the articles including a first article 13 are arranged on a conveyor, such as a conveyor belt 15. In the figure two parallel conveyors are shown.

[0055] There is also a weight 14 for weighing all the articles that enter the facility. Thus, there are at least two weights in the facility: one weight before the multi-head weigher and (at least) one weight included in the multi-head weigher (depending on the type of multihead weigher).

[0056] In the figure it is shown that for each conveyor there is a weight. Once all the articles have been weighed a (statistical) distribution for the weights of all the articles (the population) may be determined by a controller (not shown). This may be termed the weight distribution for the population.

[0057] It is assumed that the weight (for the population) has a normal distribution. An example for a distribution for an exemplary population is shown in fig. 2.

[0058] It is the histogram that is illustrated, e.g. the number of articles at each point along the x-axis. A range from x - Ax to x + Ax will comprise a plurality of articles being equal to the sum of each column in the range.

[0059] The population may change over time since articles may continuously arrive at the facility, e.g. the weight distribution of the population may be continuously updated, or at least it is updated every 30 seconds.

[0060] In the following description of the example of the figures the term “weight distribution” is to be understood as the histogram, e.g. a non-normalized distribution.

[0061] Buffers

[0062] After the articles have been weighed there are illustrated two buffer tanks / containers including a first buffer tank 16.

[0063] As such only one buffer tank may be necessary.

[0064] If the rate of articles is high enough a buffer tank may be dispensed with all together - as long as the multi-head weigher receives articles having a symmetric weight distribution over time, e.g. the articles delivered to the multi-head weigher within a time window of no more than 10 minutes, such as no more than 8, or 6 or 4, or 2 minutes, should have a substantially symmetric distribution.

[0065] The contents of a buffer may have a weight distributed. This may be stored in a memory. Thus, the weight distribution for the population may be a function of the weight distribution of the contents of the buffer as well as the latest article that has been weighed by the first weight.

[0066] The articles in the first buffer container may be conveyed to the multi-head weigher by means of a conveyor 20. The articles in the second buffer container may be conveyed to the robot batcher.

[0067] There may be a third buffer container for the articles for the third process / third batching machine.

[0068] Diverter and conveyor

[0069] Once the articles have been weighed the articles having a weight distribution suitable for the multi-head weigher may be selected by the controller, e.g. the controller selects the plurality of articles that are to be conveyed to the multi-head weigher. The mean of this weight distribution is given by the target weight (or the center of the target weight range).

[0070] A diverter such as a swing gate 18 or an opening in the conveyor may be used for diverting the suitable articles to the multi-head weigher.

[0071] It is illustrated that the diverter is used in connection with a buffer container, but as mentioned, a buffer container may not as such be necessary.

[0072] Specifically, swing gates are illustrated as directing the suitable articles into a buffer container. Those articles that are not suitable / not selected goes to another process (in the figure illustrated as the second buffer container containing the articles for the other batching machine - the robot batcher). The articles not directed to the first or second process could be stored in a storing container (not shown).

[0073] Thus, once the articles have been weighed there is a diverter for diverting the suitable articles onto a conveyor that conveys the suitable articles to the multi-head weigher - or a diverter for diverting non suitable articles away from the conveyor leading to the multihead weigher.

[0074] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a population of articles, e.g. the histogram of the population.

[0075] The histogram is shown in red color.

[0076] The “x-axis” is the weight (w) and the “y-axis” is the frequency / number of articles in an interval from w to w + 0.5 g. The population may be calculated / determined continuously, e.g. articles arrive at the facility by truck from a farm for example. Thus, the illustrated weight distribution is an example in a given time interval. The weight distribution may change from one time interval to the other - depending on the articles delivered to the facility in the different time intervals.

[0077] The population has a mean of 225 g and a standard deviation of 25 g.

[0078] Also shown in fig. 2 is a weight distribution for the articles for the multi-head weigher (shown in blue / greyish color) - fig. 3 shows the weight distribution / histogram for these articles together with the population histogram.

[0079] Finally, fig. 2 also shows how many articles (and which weight they have) are selected to be fed to the robot batcher (this is shown in green color) - fig. 4 shows the weight distribution / histogram for these articles together with the population histogram.

[0080] Selecting to the multi-head weigher

[0081] The following explains an example of how the articles for the multi-head weigher may be selected from the population.

[0082] The multi-head weigher is to batch batches having an exemplary target weight of 650 g (g = gram).

[0083] An efficient operating criteria for such a target weight given the population may be that each batch is to consist of three articles. This gives a mean of 650 / 3 = 216 g.

[0084] Thus, the multi-head weigher may operate efficiently if it receives articles with a (substantially) symmetric weight distribution having a mean of 216 g.

[0085] The weight interval / weight range of the weight distribution may be + / - 15 g, e.g. in such an example the weight distribution is truncated (to a value of zero) at a lower weight value of 216 - 15 = 201 g and at an upper weight value of 216 + 15 = 231 g.

[0086] This results in the histogram in blue color shown in fig. 3 representing the plurality of articles to be fed to the multi-head weigher in a time interval. Not all articles at a given point / bin / weight interval in the histogram are taken from the population, e.g. it is only a percentage such as no more than 90 % (such as 80 % or 70 % or 60 % or 50 %) that is assigned to the plurality of articles included in the blue color histogram. This allows articles at the same weight point to be assigned to two different processes.

[0087] For a histogram the term “bin” is usually used to refer to a “point” on the x-axis of the histogram, e.g. each point on the x-axis is not to be understood as being infinitesimal, e.g. an indefinitely small quantity, but rather a weight interval / weight range. This weight interval may be defined arbitrary, e.g. defined so that it is possible to work with the data in a way that makes sense, e.g. a bin should define a weight interval that is neither too small nor too large. In the figures it is 0.5 g. There is not a label for each bin.

[0088] In general, the weight interval or width of the truncated weight distribution is wll - wL where wll is the lower weight value and wll is the upper weight value.

[0089] As mentioned, the controller may ensure that articles delivered / distributed / fed to the multi-head weigher from the population obeys such a weight distribution over time, e.g. in a short time interval the delivered articles may not necessarily define such a weight distribution, but over a greater time interval such as more than 2 minutes for example such a weight distribution should be achieved.

[0090] Selecting to the robot batcher

[0091] The following explains an example of how the articles for the robot batcher may be selected from the population.

[0092] The robot batcher is to batch batches having a target weight of 400 g.

[0093] An efficient operating criteria for such a target weight given the population may be that each batch is to consist of two articles. This gives a mean of 400 / 2 = 200 g.

[0094] Thus, the robot batcher may operate efficiently if it receives articles with a (substantially) symmetric weight distribution (over time) having a mean of 200 g. The weight interval of the weight distribution may be + / - 30 g, e.g. the weight distribution is truncated at a lower weight value of 200 - 15 = 175 g and at an upper weight value of 200 + 30 = 230 g.

[0095] This results in the histogram in green color shown in fig. 4 representing the plurality of articles to be fed to the other process in a time interval.

[0096] The two weight distributions have an overlap which is also evident in fig. 2 (the upper weight value (230 g) for the robot batcher weight distribution / second weight distribution is greater than the lower weight value (201 g) for the first weight distribution / multi-head weigher weight distribution.

[0097] At a weight between 205,5 g to 206 g there are 184 articles in the population, out of these 92 are assigned to be fed to the multi-head weigher and 92 are assigned to be fed to the robot batcher.

[0098] With “assigned to the multi-head weigher” is meant that an article is intended to at some point in time be directed / fed to the multi-head weigher.

[0099] Thus, at the weight between 205,5 g to 206 g there is no conflict between the two machines, e.g. they may both operate at their maximum capacity if needed.

[0100] Defining dependent weight distributions

[0101] However, if for example the defined weight interval for the weight distribution for the articles for the multi-head weigher had been smaller than in the example (smaller than 30 g) it could be that for example 100 articles at the weight between 205,5 g to 206 g had to be assigned to the multi-head weigher in order to achieve an efficient operation (and a symmetric weight distribution for the weights of the articles fed to the multi-head weigher), e.g. in order to feed enough articles to the multi-head weigher (given its capacity - the capacity may vary on the number of weighing heads of the machine, typically it may have between 10 and 30 weighing heads).

[0102] This would mean that there would not be enough articles left in the population at the weight between 205,5 g to 206 g so that the robot batcher could be fed with articles having a symmetric weight distribution, which in the end means that the robot batcher would operate less efficiently - or not operate at all, because it is missing articles. This is a constraint set by the population and the fact that there is another process.

[0103] In order to avoid such a situation it is contemplated that the weight interval for the weight distribution of the articles assigned to the multi-head weigher may be a function of the desired weight distribution for the articles to be assigned to the robot batcher (or vice versa) - at least when there is an overlap between the two desired weight distributions - there is an such an overlap when the range between the lower weight value and the upper weight value for the weight distribution for the articles assigned to the multi-head weigher overlaps the range between the lower weight value and the upper weight value for the weight distribution for the articles assigned to the other batching machine or process (robot batcher as in the example).

[0104] For example, it may be so that at a weight w + Aw (Aw is for example 0.5 g or 1 g or 1.5 g or 2 g or up to 5 g) there are a total of x articles in the population. And at that weight w + Aw (x value in the histogram) there should be assigned articles to both batching machines, because for them to efficiently operate each batching machine should be fed with articles having a weight distribution including that x value - a number of y articles should go to the multi-head weigher and a number of z articles should go to the other batching machine.

[0105] However, y plus z is greater than x meaning that there are not enough articles at that weight. This is assuming that the weight intervals (width of each weight distribution) have been defined so that there are not enough articles (at that weight interval in the population), e.g. there is a constraint or boundary condition and the machines have to operate in condition to that.

[0106] Thus, to remedy this the width of both or just one of the weight distributions could be made larger (compared to the situation where the population would have enough articles), e.g. either the lower weight value or the upper weight value (or both) are determined with the other batching machine in mind (the weight distribution of the articles for the other batching machine), e.g. either the lower weight value or the upper weight value (or both) is a function of the weight distribution of the articles for the other batching machine. A weight distribution may be defined by at least two parameters, for example the mean and standard deviation - in this case the weight interval / width of the weight distribution may take the place of the standard deviation.

[0107] Or the two parameters may for example be the lower weight value and the upper weight value - the one weight value may be derived from the mean and the other weight value, assuming the weight distribution is substantially symmetric.

[0108] Either the lower weight value or the upper weight value (or both) for the one weight distribution is then determined as a function of one or two parameters from the other weight distribution (for example the lower weight value and / or the upper weight value from the other weight distribution).

[0109] As an example, the lower weight value or the upper weight value (or both) for the weight distribution of the articles for the multi-head weigher is then determined as a function of one or two or more parameters from the weight distribution of the articles for the robot batcher (or whichever type of second process there is in the facility).

[0110] Or alternatively / in addition, the lower weight value or the upper weight value (or both) for the weight distribution of the articles for the second process is then determined as a function of one or two or more parameters from the weight distribution of the articles for the multi-head weigher.

[0111] Thus, there may be a first plurality of articles (selected by the controller from the population) to be conveyed to a first batching machine, and a second plurality of articles (selected by the controller from the population) to be conveyed to a second batching machine. The first plurality of articles having a first weight distribution, and the second plurality of articles having a second weight distribution. The second plurality of articles is selected so that the second weight distribution is a function of one or more parameters defining the first weight distribution.

[0112] The shape of a weight distribution may be bell shaped as in the case of a normal distribution. With “weight interval” for a distribution is meant the interval / range between the lower weight value where the distribution is zero below that value and the upper weight value where the distribution is zero above that value.

[0113] A weight distribution should of course also not be arbitrarily wide. This could result in a large standard deviation in a batch, e.g. the batch may have a very large article and a very small article. This is normally not desired by for example the consumers. But if there is a constraint, e.g. not enough articles at a weight it is clear that this will result in some batches at least having a larger standard deviation than if there had not been a constraint.

[0114] Prioritizing

[0115] In the above section it was disclosed that articles for one batching machine are selected so that they define a weight distribution that is a function of another weight distribution (defined by articles delivered to another batching machine). Said in another way, the two process lines are prioritized with respect to each other.

[0116] For a given weight distribution (defined by the plurality of articles delivered to a batching machine) the batching machine has a capacity. If the batching machine receives a plurality of articles having a (substantially) symmetric weight distribution, the batching machine may operate at maximum capacity.

[0117] However, the two process lines may be prioritized with respect to each other. For example, a weight distribution of articles for the multi-head weigher may be defined such that the multi-head weigher has a reduced capacity - which may be necessary in order to keep the other batching machine / second process running.

[0118] Also, a weight distribution of articles for the second / other process may be defined such that the other process has a reduced capacity.

[0119] By defining a weight distribution is meant selecting a plurality of articles that is to be delivered to a batching machine so that the plurality of articles has a given weight distribution.

[0120] The weight distribution of articles for the multi-head weigher may be defined such that the capacity of the multi-head weigher is reduced less than the reduction caused by the weight distribution of articles for the second process. In this way the multi-head weigher is prioritized over the other process. The two weight distributions may be defined such that each machine is operating, i.e. none of the machines are reduced to a zero capacity.

[0121] Thus, there may be a first batching machine having a maximum capacity, and a second batching machine having a maximum capacity.

[0122] A first plurality of articles may be selected by the controller from the population to be conveyed to the first batching machine so that the first batching machine operates at a first capacity.

[0123] A second plurality of articles may be selected by the controller from the population to be conveyed to the second batching machine so that the second batching machine operates at a second capacity less than the maximum capacity of the second batching machine.

[0124] The facility / system may include a display connected to the controller so that an operator can receive feedback on a determined weight distribution, e.g. if an operator defines a weight distribution (for a batching machine) the display may display the efficiency / ca- pacity of the batching machine for the determined weight distribution - or the controller may be arranged to reject a weight distribution, because the multi-head weigher would run at too low capacity for a given weight distribution.

[0125] There may be an input to the controller such that an operator can enter a mean and / or width of the weight distribution (such as the upper and lower weight values).

[0126] Now follows a set of items, which constitute aspects of the present disclosure which may be considered independently patentable and as such the following sets form basis for possible future sets of claims:

[0127] 1. A method for weighing and batching articles such as solid food products, said method comprising:

[0128] - providing a weight, - providing a population of articles, and weighing each article in said population of articles by means of said weight,

[0129] - providing a batching apparatus for batching articles from said population into batches having a target weight or a target weight range with a target mean value,

[0130] - providing a controller, and determining a plurality of articles from said population of articles to be fed to said batching apparatus,

[0131] - providing a conveyor and conveying said plurality of articles to said batching apparatus, and

[0132] - batching articles from said plurality of articles into batches by means of said batching apparatus.

[0133] 2. The method according to item 1 , said batching apparatus comprising a plurality of weighing heads, each weighing head comprising a (second) weight for weighing the contents of the respective weighing head.

[0134] 3. The method according to any of the preceding items, comprising: distributing articles from said plurality of articles with said first substantially symmetric weight distribution into said plurality of weighing heads.

[0135] 4. The method according to any of the preceding items, comprising: weighing the contents of each weighing head.

[0136] - each batching head may comprise a number of articles - different from said first plurality, said number of articles having a distribution different from said first substantially symmetric weight distribution

[0137] 5. The method according to any of the preceding items, said plurality of articles comprising a percentage of said population of articles at a weight interval or a bin, said weight interval or bin being narrower than the width of said first substantially symmetric weight distribution, said weight interval preferably being defined by the pitch or distance between two neighboring points on the x-axis of a histogram of the articles weights of said population.

[0138] 6. The method according to any of the preceding items, said percentage being no more than 100% or 90 % or 80 % or 70 % or 60 % or 50 %.

[0139] 7. The method according to any of the preceding items, said controller selecting said plurality of articles such that said plurality of articles having a first substantially symmetric weight distribution having a mean corresponding to said target weight or said target mean value, said population of articles comprising a larger number of articles than said plurality of articles.

[0140] 8. The method according to any of the preceding items, said first substantially symmetric distribution being truncated at a first lower weight value and at a second upper weight value and defining a weight interval between said first lower weight value and said second upper weight value.

[0141] 9. The method according to any of the preceding items, said first substantially symmetric distribution having a value of zero below said first lower weight value and / or above said first upper weight value.

[0142] 10. The method according to any of the preceding items, said circular multi-head weigher batching articles into batches having a single target weight or a single target weight range with a target mean value.

[0143] 11 . The method according to any of the preceding items, said population subtracted with said plurality of articles defining a remaining quantity.

[0144] 12. The method according to any of the preceding items, comprising determining a second plurality of articles from said remaining quantity, said second plurality of articles having a second weight distribution.

[0145] 13. The method according to any of the preceding items, comprising - providing a second batching machine for batching articles into batches having a second target weight or a second target weight range with a second target mean value,

[0146] - defining a second substantially symmetric weight distribution having a mean corresponding to said second target weight or said second target mean value,

[0147] - determining a second plurality of articles from said population of articles by means of said controller such that said second plurality of articles having a second weight distribution corresponding to said second substantially symmetric weight distribution, said population of articles comprising a larger number of articles than said second plurality of articles,

[0148] - providing a second conveyor and conveying said second plurality of articles to said second batching machine, and

[0149] - batching articles from said second plurality of articles into batches by means of said second batching machine.

[0150] 14. The method according to any of the preceding items, said second substantially symmetric distribution being truncated at a second lower weight value and at a second upper weight value and defining a second weight interval between said second lower weight value and said second upper weight value.

[0151] 15. The method according to any of the preceding items, said first lower weight value and / or said first upper weight value being a function of said second substantially symmetric weight distribution, and / or said second lower weight value and / or said second upper weight value being a function of said first substantially symmetric weight distribution.

[0152] 16. The method according to any of the preceding items, said first lower weight value and / or said first upper weight value being a function of said second lower weight value and / or said second upper weight value, or said second lower weight value and / or said second upper weight value being a function of said first lower weight value and / or said first upper weight value.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for weighing and batching articles such as solid food products, said method comprising:- providing a first weight,- providing a population of articles, and weighing each article in said population of articles by means of said weight,- providing a batching apparatus including a second weight for batching articles from said population into batches having a target weight or a target weight range with a target mean value,- providing a controller, and determining a plurality of articles from said population of articles by means of said controller such that said plurality of articles having a first substantially symmetric weight distribution having a mean corresponding to said target weight or said target mean value, said population of articles comprising a larger number of articles than said plurality of articles,- providing a conveyor and conveying said plurality of articles to said batching apparatus, and- batching articles from said plurality of articles into batches by means of said batching apparatus.

2. The method according to claim 1 , said plurality of articles comprising a percentage of said population of articles at a weight interval or a bin, said weight interval or bin being narrower than the width of said first substantially symmetric weight distribution, said weight interval preferably being defined by the pitch or distance between two neighboring points on the x-axis of a histogram of the articles weights of said population.

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said percentage being no more than 100 % or 90 % or 80 % or 70 % or 60 % or 50 %.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said first substantially symmetric distribution being truncated at a first lower weight value and at a second upper weight value and defining a weight interval between said first lower weight value and said second upper weight value.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said first substantially symmetric distribution having a value of zero below said first lower weight value and / or above said first upper weight value.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said circular multi-head weigher batching articles into batches having a single target weight or a single target weight range with a target mean value.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said population subtracted with said plurality of articles defining a remaining quantity.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising determining a second plurality of articles from said remaining quantity, said second plurality of articles having a second weight distribution.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising- providing a second batching machine for batching articles into batches having a second target weight or a second target weight range with a second target mean value,- defining a second substantially symmetric weight distribution having a mean corresponding to said second target weight or said second target mean value,- determining a second plurality of articles from said population of articles by means of said controller such that said second plurality of articles having a second weight distribution corresponding to said second substantially symmetric weight distribution, said population of articles comprising a larger number of articles than said second plurality of articles,- providing a second conveyor and conveying said second plurality of articles to said second batching machine, and- batching articles from said second plurality of articles into batches by means of said second batching machine.

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said second substantially symmetric distribution being truncated at a second lower weight value and at a second upper weight value and defining a second weight interval between said second lower weight value and said second upper weight value.11 . The method according to any of the preceding claims, said first lower weight value and / or said first upper weight value being a function of said second substantially symmetric weight distribution, and / or said second lower weight value and / or said second upper weight value being a function of said first substantially symmetric weight distribution.

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said first lower weight value and / or said first upper weight value being a function of said second lower weight value and / or said second upper weight value, or said second lower weight value and / or said second upper weight value being a function of said first lower weight value and / or said first upper weight value.

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