(19)
(11) EP 0 388 002 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
30.09.1992 Bulletin 1992/40

(43) Date of publication A2:
19.09.1990 Bulletin 1990/38

(21) Application number: 90301388.6

(22) Date of filing: 09.02.1990
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)5: G06M 7/04, G06M 1/10, G06M 7/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI NL SE

(30) Priority: 10.02.1989 GB 8903066

(71) Applicants:
  • Thorburn, David George
    The Quay, Newburgh AB4 OAA (GB)
  • THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES & FOOD
    London SW1 2AE (GB)

(72) Inventors:
  • Thorburn, David George
    Port Bannatyne, Isle of Bute (GB)
  • Macphail, Iain Ross
    Aberdeen (GB)
  • Strachan, Norval James Colin
    Aberdeen (GB)
  • Nicholson, Frederick James
    Harlaw Place, Aberdeen (GB)

(74) Representative: Pacitti, Pierpaolo A.M.E. et al
Murgitroyd and Company 373 Scotland Street
Glasgow G5 8QA
Glasgow G5 8QA (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Article counting systems


    (57) There is described an article counting system in the form of an apparatus and a method of utilising the apparatus which counts accurately a number of discrete articles decanted from one container into another. The system is based on the articles impacting a sensor to produce a proportionate electrical signal. The apparatus includes detector means to detect said proportionate electrical signal and produce a second signal when the magnitude of said proportionate electrical signal lies within a predetermined magnitude range. The system has the capability of differentiating between the impact caused by more than one article impacting the sensor simultaneously. The system has particular application in the counting of fish.







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