Abstract: An improved scale, and particularly an electronic postage scale, wherein a parcel is weighed and postage is computed automatically in accordance with the weight of the parcel and the particular class of shipment and destination zone therefor. It is one feature of this scale to determine a corrected reference level against which the parcel is weighed, notwithstanding changes in this reference level over a period of time due to, for example, parameter changes, electrical "drift," a build-up of particles, such as dirt or other residue, or the like. Another feature of this scale is improved, simplified automatic calibration. The scale is provided with a keyboard which, during a calibration operation, is selectively operated so as to key-in numerical data representing a standard weight. The keyed-in data is compared to the standard weight as actually measured by the scale, and a calibration factor is generated by dividing the keyed-in data by the measured standard weight.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for determining and displaying the postal rate for a parcel to be shipped to a destination zone by a selected class of shipment in accordance with the weight of the parcel. A memory is provided with plural sections, each section being substantially associated with a particular class of shipment, and each section storing postal rate data for predetermined weight increments at addressable locations. The address of a location is determined by the parcel weight and the destination zone. Digital weight data is produced as a function of the weight of a parcel placed on the scale and the particular class of shipment and destination zone are selected as desired. The addressed memory location preferably is comprised of first and second parts for storing first and second portions of the composite postal rate data; these first and second parts being read out on a time sharing basis to a display device.