WO2020051103A1 - System and method for measuring average weight and uniformity of a sample - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for determining an average weight or other property and uniformity of a sample comprises a scale for receiving objects to be measured and performing measurements, and a processor programmed to receive successive measurements from the scale, as objects from the sample are added to the scale in series. The processor tracks the number of objects added, and calculates an average weight and uniformity based on the measurements and number of objects on the scale.

Description

System and Method for Measuring Average Weight and Uniformity of a Sample

Related Applications

This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application Number 62/726,509, filed September 4, 2018, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Background

Conventional procedures to measure weight-related characteristics of a population of objects of variable weight (such as a sample of shrimp or chicken nuggets) typically involve labor-intensive and error-prone methods. For example, conventional methods involve using a weigh-scale to measure the total weight of a sample, then counting the number of objects in the sample and dividing the total weight of the sample by the number of objects to computer the average object weight. The inverse can be performed to compute an average object "count" (the number of objects per unit weight, such as per lb or kg).

Additional steps are then needed to measure the uniformity and/or variability (inverse of uniformity) of the sample. For example, a user must individually measure and record the weight of each object in a sample, enter the individual object weights into a calculation tool, such as an Excel spreadsheet and use the calculation tool to computer the sample's uniformity and— or variability.

These multi-step conventional procedures are labor intensive and error-prone, and do not provide rapid feedback.

Summary of the Invention

A system for measuring an average property, such as weight, and uniformity of a sample includes a scale that integrates a computer and user interface to simultaneously measure, compute, record and display a sample's average object weight and its uniformity (or variability).

According to one aspect, a method of measuring a property of a sample comprising a plurality of objects comprises the steps of placing a collection container on a scale, adding a first object from the sample to the collection container, measuring and recording a weight of the first object, adding a second object from the sample to the collection container to form a combined set of objects, measuring and recording a weight of the combined set of objects and computing an average weight and uniformity for the combined set of objects.

According to another aspect, a method of measuring a weight of a sample comprising a plurality of objects comprises the steps of placing a collection container on a scale, adding a first subset of objects from the sample to the collection container, measuring and recording a weight of the first subset of objects, adding a second subset of objects from the sample to the collection container to form a combined set of objects, measuring and recording a weight of the combined set of objects, computing an average weight and uniformity for the combined set of objects.

According to another aspect, a method of measuring a weight of a sample comprising a plurality of objects comprises the steps of providing a scale for measuring weight, a collection device associated with the scale and a computer for receiving signals indicative of the weight from the scale, successively adding each object in the sample to the collection device, measuring a weight of objects in the collection device after each addition, and with each addition of an object to the collection device, calculating an average weight and uniformity of the sample.

According to another aspect, a system for determining an average weight and uniformity of a sample, comprises a scale for measuring a weight of a sample, and a processor programmed to receive successive measurements from the scale, as objects from the sample are added to the scale in series, count the number of objects added, and calculate an average weight and uniformity based on the measurement and number of objects on the scale.

Brief Description of the Figures

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a system for measuring an average weight and uniformity of a sample according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the steps involved in measuring an average weight and uniformity of a sample according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

A scale integrates a computer and user interface to simultaneously measure, compute, record and display an average property, such as weight, of a sample comprising a number of varying objects. The system can determine the consistency of the sample, by calculating, recording and displaying a uniformity or variability ratio. The invention will be described relative to certain illustrative embodiments, but is not limited to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1 shows a system 10 for measuring an average weight and uniformity of a sample according to an embodiment of the invention. Other suitable properties can be measured and calculated, and the invention is not limited to weight. The illustrative system 10 includes a weigh-scale 12 for measuring a weight of an object or a set of objects placed on a weighing surface 13. An example of a suitable weigh-scale is a XK840 Precision Scale available from Avery Weigh-Tronix, but the invention is not so limited. Alternatively, the scale can measure another property, such as size, color or another parameter. A collection container 14, such as a colander placed on the weighing surface 13, can receive and contain objects 16 from a sample to be measured. The illustrative object 16 is shrimp, but the invention is not so limited. A processor, shown as a computer 20, is connected to the weigh- scale 12 for receiving information horn the weigh-scale. The computer is programmed to calculate, record, tabulate and display an average weight and uniformity of the sample, based on measurements horn the weigh-scale. The computer may translate the average weight and uniformity data, as well as other data indicative of the sample into a graph or other format usable by an end user. The computer may be integral with the scale 12 or separate. A data port 22 can be used to extract data records. A user interface 40, such as a keypad and-or mouse or other device, which may be integral with the scale or separate, allows a user to control the system. A display 50 displays measured and calculated properties related to the sample to the user. An indicator, such as a light 30, can be used to indicate information to a user, such that the scale is ready for a sample.

The illustrative weigh-scale 12 detects the weight of a sample, which is placed on the weighing surface using a load cell (not shown) or other suitable means and sends signals relating to the detected weight to the computer 20.

In the illustrative embodiment, the display 50 displays the average weight of a sample being measured and a uniformity metric to indicate uniformity. In one embodiment the uniformity metric can be a uniformity ratio that is calculated by dividing the total weight of the heaviest 10% of objects (by count) by the total weight of the lightest 10% of objects (by count). The variability can be expressed as standard deviation. Other suitable algorithms for measuring uniformity may be used. A uniformity ratio doser to one indicates that the sample is more uniform in weight, while a higher ratio indicates more inconsistency in the sample. Other metrics may also be measured, stored and— or displayed.

FIG. 2 shows the steps involved in measuring a property, such as average weight, of a sample comprising a number of individual objects and determining a uniformity ratio or other parameter related to the consistency of the sample. The illustrative process measures the average weight and uniformity ratio of a sample, but the invention is not so limited. The illustrative process is an incremental, iterative cyde, whereby each object is added individually and successively to the collection container and measurements and calculations are performed with each addition until all of the objects in the sample to be analyzed are contained in the collection container. In another embodiment, a subset of the sample is added consecutively and measurements and calculations are performed accordingly. For example, two or three objects can be added with each iteration, with the calculations taking the size of the subset into account. The user could enter the number of objects in each subset and use that number to perform the required calculations.

In a first step 100, an empty collection container for containing product to be analyzed, such as a colander 14, is placed on the scale, such as a weigh-scale 12. Then, in step 110, the user instructs the weigh-scale to tare to zero, by, for example, pressing a start button on the system 10 on the interface 40 or scale 12. Other suitable means for taring the weigh- scale may be used. The system 10 also sets a counter for counting the number of collected objects to zero. In step 120, a first object from the sample to be measured is added to the collection container. In step 130 the scale or other measuring device measures the selected property, such as the weight, of the collected object. The system also increments the counter to reflect that one object has been collected and measured. In step 140, the system records, tabulates and displays the measured weight or other property, and the number of objects that have been collected. After the first measurement has been taken and the first object is settled in the collection container, an indicator 30 can indicate that the system is ready for the next object in step 150. The indicator may comprise any suitable means, such as blinking light, audible alert, and so on. In one embodiment, the indicator is activated when vibrations caused by adding a new object cease, decrease below a certain threshold for a certain amount of time, or after a predetermined time period, based on a calculation of when a certain object should settle. The system may be configured to quicken settling time, or optimized for different applications to facilitate the process, and optimize speed, accuracy or another metric, allowing the system to weigh more objects per unit of time without compromising precision.

In step 160, a user adds another object from the sample to be measured to the collection container. The system then measures the total weight of the sample in the collection container in step 170, as well as increments the object counter. The system uses the current total weight and the preceding total weight to determine and display the weight of the added (or most recently added) object (current total weight - preceding total weight) in step 180. The system uses the stored measurements to calculate and display an average weight (total weight/number of objects) and uniformity ratio of the collected sample in the collection container. The invention is not limited to displaying each parameter measured or calculated, and certain properties can be omitted from the display. Then, in step 190, the system indicates to a user that the system is ready for another object. For each object of the sample to be analyzed, steps 160-190 are repeated. When the sample is complete, the user removes the now full collection container in step 200. The computer is programmed to recognize a large change in weight, signaling the completion of the process. In step 210, the computer saves the data associated with the sample. The computer may save the sample data in a retrievable date and time-stamped file, and may translate the data into a usable graph or other format. The computer can also zero the display upon completion of the process.

In one embodiment, the data collected during the process can be stored and output as a chart, such as a histogram, that can be accessed on-line or via another means, along with other information about the sample. The collected data can be used for commerce, in receiving, as a quality control function or for any useful purpose.

In one embodiment, the objects can be serially added to the container from a vessel 60, such as a hopper, automatically instead of manually. For example, a conveyor belt 70 or other suitable means, such as a metering disk, metering wheel, actuated valve, singulation chute or other type of conveyor, operating a selected pace may deliver individual or grouped objects to the container from the vessel in a serial and continuous manner, until the entire sample is exhausted, with the selected pace based on the settlement time of the object in the container. The system 10 and process of measuring and recording an average property and uniformity metric for a sample can be used for any suitable object for which such measurements are advantageous. Examples include, but are not limited to, food products, such as shrimp and other seafood, meat pieces, fruits and vegetables, nuts, eggs, mail pieces, parcels, containers, medidne, widgets and any other object where it may be desirable to know an average weight and-or uniformity for a batch.

The invention has been described relative to certain illustrative embodiments, but is not limited to these embodiments.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of measuring a property of a sample comprising a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of:

placing a collection container on a scale;

adding a first object from the sample to the collection container;

measuring and recording a weight of the first object;

adding a second object from the sample to the collection container to form a combined set of objects;

measuring and recording a weight of the combined set of objects; and

computing an average weight and uniformity for the combined set of objects.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the objects are shrimp.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

adding a successive object from the sample to the collection container to increase the combined set of objects;

measuring and recording a weight of the combined set of objects; and

computing an average weight and uniformity for the sample.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the steps of adding a successive object, measuring and recording a weight of the combined set of objects and computing an average weight and uniformity are repeated until all objects in the sample have been added to the collection container.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the steps of outputting data regarding the sample in a graph.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the uniformity is determined by dividing the weight of the heaviest 10% of the objects by the weight of the lightest 10% of the objects.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the second object is added after the first object settles in the collection container.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein an object is determined to be settled when vibrations caused by adding the object decrease below a certain threshold for a certain amount of time.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the second object is added a predetermined period after the first object is added.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second object are automatically conveyed and loaded into the collection container.

11. A method of measuring a weight of a sample comprising a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of:

placing a collection container on a scale;

adding a first subset of objects from the sample to the collection container;

measuring and recording a weight of the first subset of objects;

adding a second subset of objects from the sample to the collection container to form a combined set of objects;

measuring and recording a weight of the combined set of objects; and

computing an average weight and uniformity for the combined set of objects.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein each subset comprises a single object.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein each subset comprises a plurality of objects.

14. A method of measuring a weight of a sample comprising a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of:

providing a scale for measuring weight, a collection device associated with the scale and a computer for receiving signals indicative of the weight from the scale;

successively adding each object in the sample to the collection device;

measuring a weight of objects in the collection device after each addition, and with each addition of an object to the collection device, calculating an average weight and uniformity of the sample.

15. A system for determining an average weight and uniformity of a sample, comprising:

a scale for measuring a weight of a sample, and

a processor programmed to receive successive measurements from the scale, as objects from the sample are added to the scale in series, count the number of objects added, and calculate an average weight and uniformity based on the measurement and number of objects on the scale.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising an indicator for indicating to a user that the scale is ready for another object to be added.

17. The system of claim 15, further comprising a container on the scale for receiving the sample.

18. The system of claim 15, further comprising a conveyor for conveying the objects to the scale in series.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor stores data regarding the sample.