Combinatorial weighing method and apparatus therefor.

摘要

In a combinatorial weighing system in which weight data from a plurality of weighing machines containing articles are combined to obtain an optimum combination of weighing machines giving a total combined weight value of articles equal to a target value or close to the target value within preset allowable limits, and in which the articles are discharged from the obtained optimum combination of weighing machines, the number of weighing machines is increased over that provided in the conventional apparatus, and the number of weighing machines that participate in combinations is varied in accordance with the target value. Further, a limit value for a number of combinations giving at least one total combined weight value within the preset allowable limits is predicted, and it is determined after a combinatorial computation whether a number of combinations in excess of the limit value remain. If the decision is affirmative, then a second combinatorial computation is performed without any further supply of articles being carried out, and a desired combination is obtained from among the weighing machines that have not yet been selected, i.e., those weighing machines that have not yet discharged their articles.