Abstract: A billing system for determining package transportation charges. The billing system includes a reader to read a package identifier associated with said package and the reader generates a package identifier signal and transmits the same to a microprocessor. The billing system also includes a package sizer having a plurality of non-contact optical sensors located along each of an x, y and z axis, where each optical sensor is in a known position. The sensors are oriented relative to the conveyor so that packages passing over the sensors are detected by the sensors and produce a signal correlated to said package size. Also provided is a microprocessor to receive and correlate said package size and identifier signals, and to determine an appropriate shipping charge based upon the same. A weigh scale may also be incorporated into the system. A method of determining a transportation charge is also comprehended, which includes a self-diagnostic initialization procedure.

Abstract: A billing system for determining package transportation charges. The billing system includes a reader to read a package identifier associated with said package and the reader generates a package identifier signal and transmits the same to a microprocessor. The billing system also includes a package sizer having a plurality of non-contact optical sensors located along each of an x, y and z axis, where each optical sensor is in a known position. The sensors are oriented relative to the conveyor so that packages passing over the sensors are detected by the sensors and produce a signal correlated to said package size. Also provided is a microprocessor to receive and correlate said package size and identifier signals, and to determine an appropriate shipping charge based upon the same. A weigh scale may also be incorporated into the system. A method of determining a transportation charge is also comprehended, which includes a selfdiagnostic initialization procedure.

Abstract: A billing system for determining package transportation charges. The billing system includes a reader to read a package identifier associated with said package and the reader generates a package identifier signal and transmits the same to a microprocessor. The billing system also includes a package sizer having a plurality of non-contact optical sensors located along each of an x, y and z axis, where each optical sensor is in a known position. The sensors are oriented relative to the conveyor so that packages passing over the sensors are detected by the sensors and produce a signal correlated to said package size. Also provided is a microprocessor to receive and correlate said package size and identifier signals, and to determine an appropriate shipping charge based upon the same. A weigh scale may also be incorporated into the system. A method of determining a transportation charge is also comprehended, which includes a self-diagnostic initialization procedure.

Abstract: A package measurement apparatus comprising three measurement devices, one for each dimension. Each measurement device comprises a plurality of signal receptor modules. Each module comprises a row of signal receptor, and a signal energy source. In a first calibration step, the outputs of each receptor are standardized to reference maximums and minimums. In a second calibration step, calibration sets of receptor outputs are created and recorded. During measurement, a measurement set of receptor outputs is obtained and matched with a calibration set of receptor outputs to determine the dimension of an object.

Abstract: A sealing plug includes a plug and a housing the plug and the housing including co-operating means whereby they may be secured together, the plug including two circumferentially extending grooves within which O ring seals are located, and the housing including an aperture within which the plug is adapted to be located, the housing also including a spring loaded radially extending pin which projects into the aperture and which is adapted to project into either of the grooves within the plug if an O ring is omitted, thus preventing the plug being secured with the housing by the co-operating means.

Abstract: A sealing plug .Iadd.assembly .Iaddend.includes a plug and a housing.Iadd., .Iaddend.the plug and the housing including co-operating .[.means.]. .Iadd.structures .Iaddend.whereby they may be secured together, the plug including two circumferentially extending grooves within which O ring seals are located, and the housing .[.including an aperture.]. .Iadd.having a bore .Iaddend.within which the plug is adapted to be located, the housing also including a spring loaded radially extending pin which projects into the .[.aperture.]. .Iadd.bore .Iaddend.and which is adapted to project into either of the grooves within the plug if an O ring is omitted, thus preventing the plug being secured with the housing by the co-operating .[.means.]. .Iadd.structures.Iaddend..

Abstract: A package measurement apparatus comprising three measurement devices, one for each dimension. Each measurement device comprises a plurality of signal receptor modules. Each module comprises a row of signal receptor, and a signal energy source. In a first calibration step, the outputs of each receptor are standardized to reference maximums and minimums. In a second calibration step, calibration sets of receptor outputs are created and recorded. During measurement, a measurement set of receptor outputs is obtained and matched with a calibration set of receptor outputs to determine the dimension of an object.