Abstract: A transport apparatus for a weighing module includes a scale which has a deck connected to a scale base for weighing an object placed on the deck. The deck has slots for accommodating dual thickness belts which are arranged below the deck to be in substantial registration with the slots. The belts are positioned with respect to the slot such that in a home position a thinner section of the belt does not protrude through the slot whereby the transport means does not interfere with weighing of the object on the deck. When the belts are actuated, the dual thickness belts move so that a thicker section of each belt protrudes through the slot as the belts are being driven to thereby lift the object from the deck onto the thicker section of the belt to transport the object on the belt. In a particular embodiment, the thicker section comprises lugs which include initial tapered transition lugs to assure lifting of the object.

Abstract: A load cell supporting member includes a central portion formed to receive a load cell and to protect a load cell from overloading. A plurality of arms extends radially from the central portion. The supporting member is a single, integral piece of said material.A weighing scale includes a first supporting member, a load cell supported by the first supporting member. The scale also includes a second supporting member, that is identical to the first and supported by the load cell and is identical to the first supporting member. The second supporting member supports a scale platform.Another weighing scale includes three identical supporting members and the load cells. A first supporting member supports a first load cell. The first load cell supports a second supporting member, which supports a second load cell. The second load cell supports a third supporting member. The third supporting member supports a scale platform.

Abstract: A mailing machine comprised of a plurality of modules, each of the modules a particular process function on a delivered envelope. The modules are arranged with in a single process station. The comprising modules include a load cell type scale module having means for weighing a envelope, a transport module having means for positioning the envelope in the process station and ejecting the envelope from the process station, a meter module having printing means for imprinting an indicia on the envelope, a platen module having means for causing the envelope to contact the printing means of the meter module, and a inking module having means for causing printing ink to be deposited on the printing means of the meter module. The modules operate in a manner functionally independent of any other module and in a manner. A tape module is included having means for positioning a tape for indicia printing between the meter module.

Abstract: A scale for fast determination of weights including a platform and a load cell transducer. Output of the transducer is converted to a digital signal, processed by a low pass digital filter, and weights computed as a function of the sequence of digital signals by means of an algorithm which compares a first estimate of the weight to the break points of a postal rate chart and uses the first estimate if it is not within a predetermined distance of a break point, and otherwise determines a second, more accurate estimate. The platform and transducers are combined to form a structure which does not have any significant resources below the cut-off frequency of the filter.

Abstract: An electronic scale for weighing an article includes a weighing channel for providing an output indicative of the instantaneous weight of the article and a reference channel for providing an output indicative of instantaneous vibrations affecting the output of the weighing channel. The scale also has a mechanism for providing a signal indicative of a long term average of the reference channel's output. Another mechanism of the scale compares the average signal with the reference channel's output and provides a validation signal when the reference channel's output does not differ by more than a threshold amount from the average signal.

Abstract: A load cell supporting member includes a central portion formed to receive a load cell and to protect a load cell from overloading. A plurality of arms extends radially from the central portion. The supporting member is a single, integral piece of said material.A weighing scale includes a first supporting member, a load cell supported by the first supporting member. The scale also includes a second supporting member, that is identical to the first and supported by the load cell and is identical to the first supporting member. The second supporting member supports a scale platform.Another weighing scale includes three identical supporting members and two load cells. A first supporting member supports a first load cell. The first load cell supports a second supporting member, which supports a second load cell. The second load cell supports a third supporting member. The third supporting member supports a scale platform.

Abstract: A label printing system prints information on a series of labels carried on a web of release liner. The system includes a data processor and a printer. The printer includes a print head, a mechanism for advancing the web, a mechanism for reversing the web, and a mechanism for separating the labels from the release liner as the web advances. The data processor controls the printer to reverse the web until one of the labels is aligned with the print head, print information on the label, and then advance the web for separation of the printed label from the release liner.

Abstract: A load cell supporting member includes a central portion formed to receive a load cell and to protect a load cell from overloading. A plurality of arms extends radially from the central portion. The supporting member is a single, integral piece of said material.A weighing scale includes a first supporting member, a load cell supported by the first supporting member. The scale also includes a second supporting member, that is identical to the first and supported by the load cell and is identical to the first supporting member. The second supporting member supports a scale platform.Another weighing scale includes three identical supporting members and two load cells. A first supporting member supports a first load cell. The first load cell supports a second supporting member, which supports a second load cell. The second load cell supports a third supporting member. The third supporting member supports a scale platform.

Abstract: A weighing cell includes a base, with energy absorbing feet; a load cell supported by the base; a platform supporting member supported by the load cell; a platform for supporting an object to be weighed, the platform being supported by the supporting member; and damping material operatively positioned between the platform and the supporting member. The energy absorbing feet are chosen to substantially dampen the oscillations of a mass spring system consisting of a spring equivalent in total compliant effect to the load cell, the energy absorbing feet and the damping material and a mass equal to the combined mass of the heaviest object to be weighed and of the weighing cell and the damping material is chosen to substantially dampen the oscillations of a mass spring system consisting of a spring equivalent in total compliant effect to the load cell, the energy absorbing feet and the damping material and a mass equal to the combined mass of a relatively light object and of the weighing cell.

Abstract: A mailing system for metering batches of mixed weight mail. The system includes a demand feed for singulating mailpieces, a weighing module for weighing the singulated mailpieces and determining the appropriate postage amount and a postage meter responsive to the weighing module for metering such singulated mailpieces with the appropriate postage amount. A transport system sequentially transports singulated mailpieces from the feeder to the weighing module when the postage meter is set then stops during the weighing period. The postage meter is set for the next sequential mailpiece only after weighing and metering are both completed. In another embodiment a mechanical buffer is provided between the weighing module and the meter to allow overlapping of weighing time with meter setting time.

Abstract: A mailing machine system, including a mailing machine base and a feeder module secured to the base for conveying envelopes toward a postage meter secured to the base. The feeder module includes a horizontal feed deck and a vertical registration wall adjacent the feed deck and forming a right angle therewith. The system also includes an automatic override circuit for turning the mailing machine system on and off at particular times depending upon the presence or absence of an envelope on the feed deck, and a sensing device having an emitting element and a receiving element. One of the elements is situated in the feed deck and the other of the elements is situated in the registration wall. The sensing device is operatively connected to the on-off circuit, wherein the detection by the sensing device of the presence of an envelope causes the mailing machine system to be turned on and the lack of detection by the sensing device for a predetermined period of times causes the mailing machine system to be turned off.

Abstract: A postage meter having an improved throughput for processing mixed weight mail. A postage meter is provided with a commnications link for receiving signals from a system for determining postage amounts and transporting mailpieces. A first signal is provided indicating that a next postage amount will be determined, and in response the postage meter performs common, preliminary steps to enable setting indicia to correspond to the next postage amount. A second signal defining the next postage amount is then received and the postage meter sets its indicia to correspond. In one embodiment of the subject invention the meter may then send a signal requesting transport of the next mailpiece. The meter may then implement common enabling steps for printing while the mailpiece is in transport. In still another embodiment the next postage amount is compared to the last postage amount to which the indicia are set, and if they are equal setting of the indicia is bypast.

Abstract: A mailing system, including a postal scale and a postage meter controlled by the postal scale, and having one step metering capabilities. A postal scale controls a postage meter to set postage values as a function of the weight of an item to be mailed and, possibly, other postal information entered by an operator. The postage meter is physically mounted on the postal scale and the weight of the meter forms part of the tare weight of the scale. In one embodiment of the subject invention a letter placed in the meter will automatically be weighed and metered in a single step. In another embodiment of the subject invention the system also operates in a second mode wherein items placed on the system (i.e. on top of the meter) are weighed and postage values are computed in accordance with the weight and other postal information entered by an operator. Postal labels for packages, envelopes too thick to be weighed in the meter, or other items weighed, may then be printed upon command by the operator.

Abstract: A postal scale having an improved response time to determine appropriate postage amounts and including an improved postal weighing algorithm. The scale includes a transducer which produces a sequence of digital output signals representative of the instantaneous response of a scale and a microprocessor which detects the presence of mail pieces on the scale and determines estimates of the weight of the mail pieces as a function of subsequences of digital output signals, and uses these estimates to determine appropriate postage amounts. The algorithm used in the scale of the subject invention takes advantage of the fact that postal rate charts (i.e. postal rates as a function of weight) are, in general, step-like (i.e. are constant over ranges between predetermined weight breakpoints). The processor examines sequences of digital output signals and makes a first estimate of the weight of the mail pieces and determines the distance from the first estimate to the closest breakpoint.

Abstract: A mailing system for metering batches of mixed weight mail. The system includes a demand feed for singulating mailpieces, a weighing module for weighing the singulated mailpieces and determining the appropriate postage amount and a postage meter responsive to the weighing module for metering each singulated mailpiece with the appropriate postage amount. A transport system sequentially transports singulated mailpieces from the feeder to the weighing module when the postage meter is set then stops during the weighing period. The postage meter is set for the next sequential mailpiece only after weighing and metering are both completed. In another embodiment a mechanical buffer is provided between the weighing module and the meter to allow overlapping of weighing time with meter setting time.

Abstract: Cancellation of noise in the weighing channel output of an electronic scale due to external vibrations is achieved by use of a reference, non-weighing channel in the scale. The reference channel is exposed to the vibrations affecting the weighing channel. The average output, Aavg, of the reference channel is divided by the instantaneous output, A.sub.t, thereof, and the result is multiplied by the instantaneous output, W.sub.t, of the weighing channel to obtain a corrected output, Wavg, indicative of the weight of an article plus tare. Method and Apparatus are disclosed. Analog and Digital embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A load cell assembly having a predetermined overall stiffness and a mounting plate for reducing the apparent stiffness of the load cell assembly to that predetermined level are disclosed. A load cell is mounted on a base by a mounting plate so that the load cell is fixed with respect to mechanical ground yet is free to deflect under load. The overall stiffness of the assembly is reduced to a predetermined stiffness by selecting the resiliency of the mounting plate in accordance with the stiffness of the load cell. The resilience of the load cell may be determined by either undercutting the mounting plate or by proper selection of materials. An apparatus for protecting the scale from overloads and shock loads is also disclosed.

Abstract: A scale having a base, a single point load cell and a platform is disclosed. The platform is fixed to the load cell at a single point by an overload protection structure which is substantially rigid under normal loads but which collapses under excessive torsion loads so that the platform may pivot and transfer the load to one or more downstops spaced around the periphery of the platform. A central downstop structure for protecting the load cell from excessive axial loads is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus in a scale for protecting the load cell in a scale from overloads and shock loads is disclosed. A movable element has an inclined projection which projects under the load cell to limit the deflection under load. The clearance is adjusted by placing a predetermined load on the scale then sliding the movable element forward until the inclined projection just touches the load cell. When the weight is removed the appropriate clearance is automatically established. In one embodiment of the disclosed invention the load cell is provided with opposed elongated members and the movable element has a pair of inclined projections projecting under the elongated members to provide downstop protection and a second opposed pair of inclined projections projecting above the elongated elements to provide upstop protection. A load cell assembly having a predetermined overall stiffness and a mounting plate for reducing the apparent stiffness of the load cell to that predetermined level are also disclosed.

Abstract: A weighing cell which is protected against overloading due to mechanical shock and delayed weight readout due to vibration. The weighing cell, which has a platform, a self-contained base and a load cell operatively connected therebetween, includes, in one embodiment, a plurality of posts connected to the base and separated from the platform by a gap to protect against overload forces applied to the non-axial region of the platform. Feet on the base of the weighing cell have an energy absorbing material thereon and are placed outboard of the load cell to provide quick damping of vibrations caused when a load is placed on the platform. The load cell is spaced at a partial gap from the base and platform to protect it from overload forces applied to the axial region of the platform.