METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR PACKING PRODUCE

摘要

A method and installation for packing produce (21) in the form of irregular sized units, such as, bunches of grapes, in packages (22) thereof that are to have a total weight falling within a total target weight range is provided. The method comprises the steps of introducing a number of units of produce into each of a series of packages (8) to an estimated approximate interim weight that is generally less than the total target weight range and introducing into each of a series of temporary holders (8a) one or more of said units to an estimated approximate make-up weight aimed at making up a difference between the actual interim weight of said packages and a total final weight thereof. The packages and temporary holders are weighed and allocated to particular weight divisions such that by combining lighter and heavier make up weight divisions with heavier and lighter interim weight divisions respectively of produce contained in the packages (8), final packages (22) are provided having a total weight falling within the total target weight range.