Method for simultaneously forming multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products by combining batches of selected pre-weighed elements using a combination algorithm

Abstract

A method for packaging fruit or vegetable elements or other products involves forming batches of a pre-determined amount within final weighing values, and within specified tolerances, by simultaneously determining various groups of weighing hoppers from among the total number of full weighing hoppers available with a combination algorithm, and simultaneously feeding pre-formed groups of weighing hoppers to individual feed channels leading to receiving hoppers, and emptying said receiving hoppers through outlets to respective packaging devices.

1 . A method for packaging multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products comprising combining batches of elements in multiple weighing hoppers, simultaneously and continuously determining the weight of the weighing hoppers and applying a combination algorithm to form various groups of hoppers, each group having the combined weight of a dose, the weight of product for each group of weighing hoppers corresponding to a complete dose, simultaneously feeding each dose to individual feed tracks which each lead to intermediate receiving hoppers provided with individual compartments corresponding to the number of doses, and simultaneously emptying each of said individual compartments by actuation of outlet control valves to respective packaging devices for each of the respective doses. 
   
   
       2 . A method for simultaneously forming multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products by combining batches of selected pre-weighed elements using a combination algorithm according to  claim 1 , wherein the combination algorithm gives instructions for forming groups of individual batches the sum of which is equal to a dose, avoiding the repetition of individual batches in different groups forming the different doses. 
   
   
       3 . A method for simultaneously forming multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products by combining batches of selected pre-weighed elements using a combination algorithm according to  claim 1 , wherein the algorithm for forming the groups of individual batches for each dose selects the routes between the individual batches of each group forming a dose in such a way that the minimum distances are travelled. 
   
   
       4 . A method for simultaneously forming multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products by combining batches of selected pre-weighed elements using a combination algorithm according to  claim 1 , wherein the number of groups of weighing hoppers calculated simultaneously, together with the number of compartments of the intermediate hopper, and of outlets to the packaging devices is at least two. 
   
   
       5 . A method for simultaneously forming multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products by combining batches of selected pre-weighed elements using a combination algorithm according to  claim 1 , wherein prior to filling the individual weighing hoppers a calculation is carried out in real time of the weight discharged into the feed tracks per unit of time, to adapt the filling times of each weighing hopper to the pre-determined values, which may vary for each of said hoppers so that a specified number of hoppers forming a group constitutes a dose. 
   
   
       6 . A method for simultaneously forming multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products by combining batches of selected pre-weighed elements using a combination algorithm, according to  claim 1 , wherein the determination of the number of groups of weighing hoppers to determine the expected number of individual doses is carried out after the actual weighing of each group of hoppers, also taking into account the individual weights of the reserve weighing hoppers in case any of the groups of weighing hoppers does not give the expected weight for a dose, within the tolerance. 
   
   
       7 . A method for simultaneously forming multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products by combining batches of selected pre-weighed elements using a combination algorithm according to  claim 2 , wherein the algorithm for forming the groups of individual batches for each dose selects the routes between the individual batches of each group forming a dose in such a way that the minimum distances are travelled. 
   
   
       8 . A method for simultaneously forming multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products by combining batches of selected pre-weighed elements using a combination algorithm, according to  claim 2 , wherein the determination of the number of groups of weighing hoppers to determine the expected number of individual doses is carried out after the actual weighing of each group of hoppers, also taking into account the individual weights of the reserve weighing hoppers in case any of the groups of weighing hoppers does not give the expected weight for a dose, within the tolerance. 
   
   
       9 . A method for simultaneously forming multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products by combining batches of selected pre-weighed elements using a combination algorithm, according to  claim 3 , wherein the determination of the number of groups of weighing hoppers to determine the expected number of individual doses is carried out after the actual weighing of each group of hoppers, also taking into account the individual weights of the reserve weighing hoppers in case any of the groups of weighing hoppers does not give the expected weight for a dose, within the tolerance. 
   
   
       10 . A method for simultaneously forming multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products by combining batches of selected pre-weighed elements using a combination algorithm, according to  claim 4 , wherein the determination of the number of groups of weighing hoppers to determine the expected number of individual doses is carried out after the actual weighing of each group of hoppers, also taking into account the individual weights of the reserve weighing hoppers in case any of the groups of weighing hoppers does not give the expected weight for a dose, within the tolerance. 
   
   
       11 . A method for simultaneously forming multiple batches of individual elements of fruit and vegetable products or other products by combining batches of selected pre-weighed elements using a combination algorithm, according to  claim 5 , wherein the determination of the number of groups of weighing hoppers to determine the expected number of individual doses is carried out after the actual weighing of each group of hoppers, also taking into account the individual weights of the reserve weighing hoppers in case any of the groups of weighing hoppers does not give the expected weight for a dose, within the tolerance.