Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing an object. A platform with a surface is used for supporting an object. A user selects between two different dimensioning devices of the apparatus. The first device employs three distance sensors to determine a distance between each of the distance sensors and a side of an object. The second device includes a movable gate that is passed over and about an object or objects on the platform. Sensor arrays, such as paired, aligned light emitter and receiver arrays, are used in combination with a plurality of sensed gate positions to determine the dimensions of the objects(s) as the gate passes around the object(s) based on whether or not light from an emitter on one side of the gate reaches a light receiver on another, opposing side of the gate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing an object. A platform with a surface is used for supporting an object. A user selects between two different dimensioning devices of the apparatus. The first device employs three distance sensors to determine a distance between each of the distance sensors and a side of an object. The second device includes a movable gate which is passed over and about an object or objects on the platform. Sensor arrays, such as paired, aligned light emitter and receiver arrays, are used in combination with a plurality of sensed gate positions to determine the dimensions of the objects(s) as the gate passes around the object(s) based on whether or not light from an emitter on one side of the gate reaches a light receiver on another, opposing side of the gate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing an object. A platform with a surface is used for supporting an object. A user selects between two different dimensioning devices of the apparatus. The first device employs three distance sensors to determine a distance between each of the distance sensors and a side of an object. The second device includes a movable gate which is passed over and about an object or objects on the platform. Sensor arrays, such as paired, aligned light emitter and receiver arrays, are used in combination with a plurality of sensed gate positions to determine the dimensions of the objects(s) as the gate passes around the object(s) based on whether or not light from an emitter on one side of the gate reaches a light receiver on another, opposing side of the gate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing an object. A platform with a surface is used for supporting an object. A user selects between two different dimensioning devices of the apparatus. The first device employs three distance sensors to determine a distance between each of the distance sensors and a side of an object. The second device includes a movable gate which is passed over and about an object or objects on the platform. Sensor arrays, such as paired, aligned light emitter and receiver arrays, are used in combination with a plurality of sensed gate positions to determine the dimensions of the object(s) as the gate passes around the object(s) based on whether or not light from an emitter on one side of the gate reaches a light receiver on another, opposing side of the gate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing a cuboidal object. Four distance sensors are employed, one downwardly facing the top of the object, one facing one side thereof and two respectively facing mutually parallel sides of the object perpendicular to the one side. Distances are measured between the sensors and the top and sides of the object and subtracted from known distances to determine the length, width, height and spatial volume of the object. The object may be weighed as it is being dimensioned. Spatial volume and a “dim weight” for the object may be calculated.

Abstract: A switching element for a rotary or linear encoder which generates pulse signals indicative of rotary or linear position, and direction and rate of change of such position. The invention is characterized by use of a patterned and cured solder-mask material which defines insulated or nonconductive surfaces, with a pattern of conductive wiper-contacting segments therebetween. The invention enables fast and economical fabrication as compared to known encoder switching elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing a cuboidal object. Four distance sensors are employed, one downwardly facing the top of the object, one facing one side thereof and two respectively facing mutually parallel sides of the object perpendicular to the one side. Distances are measured between the sensors and the top and sides of the object, and subtracted from known distances to determine the length, width, height and spatial volume of the object. The object may be weighed as it is being dimensioned. Spatial volume and a “dim weight” for the object may be calculated.

Abstract: A switching element for a rotary or linear encoder which generates pulse signals indicative of rotary or linear position, and direction and rate of change of such position. The invention is characterized by use of a patterned and cured solder-mask material which defines insulated or nonconductive surfaces, with a pattern of conductive wiper-contacting segments therebetween. The invention enables fast and economical fabrication as compared to known encoder switching elements.

Abstract: A switching element, specifically an encoder element, is fabricated by forming a conductive track on an insulative substrate, and then screen printing an insulative layer on the track in a predetermined pattern that forms a contact array that comprises a plurality of conductive contacts separated by nonconductive areas. The substrate may be a polymeric resin, and the track comprises (a) a copper base layer formed on a surface of the substrate in the configuration of the track, (b) a first metal-plated layer, preferably of nickel, on the base layer, and (c) a second metal-plated layer, preferably of gold, on the first metal-plated layer. The insulative layer is formed of a thick film dielectric material comprising a difunctional monomer (e.g., diallyl isophthalate), a glycol ether ester (e.g., ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate), an inorganic filler (e.g., BaSO4), and an acetate surface modifier (e.g., an ethyl acrylate/ethylhexylacrylate copolymer).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing a cuboidal object. Four distance sensors are employed, one downwardly facing the top of the object, one facing one side thereof and two respectively facing mutually parallel sides of the object perpendicular to the one side. Distances are measured between the sensors and the top and sides of the object and subtracted from known distances to determine the length, width, height and spatial volume of the object. The object may be weighed as it is being dimensioned. Spatial volume and a “dim weight” for the object may be calculated.