Weighing and grading samples in order to grade large batches of fruit
US4363408A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 1981 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01G19/64
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Method and apparatus for grading large batches of fruit by sampling technique. A sample, drawn from a batch, is divided into two approximately equal portions, one portion being inspected without being weighed. The other portion is weighed and then inspected. Grade-defect material is placed into separately classified buckets and weighed one by one. Grade-defect percentages are then determined and acceptance and grading thereby determined. A weigh hopper is suspended from a load cell by a pair of wires, one at each side of the weigh hopper. A turnbuckle on each wire enables adjustment, and excessive motion of the weigh hopper is dampened. The load cell is suspended from a shock transmission member which rests on a shock-absorbing spring that is compressed when shock loads are exerted. A cable attached to the center of the upper edge on one end of the weigh hopper passes around the bottom of the weigh hopper and to a cam device, to provide smooth inversion of the weigh hopper and a dwell period at full inversion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.