Abstract: A scale system, such as a food product scale in a perishables department of a store, includes multiple scale login enabling RF identification units for use by corresponding service personnel, and a scale adapted to identify an acceptable RF identification unit that meets criteria indicative of likelihood of scale use and to perform an automated login operation for the identified RF identification unit.

Abstract: A food product scale system includes a customer detecting functionality and a voice functionality for outputting one or more audible voice messages when a customer is detected. When a customer is at a first distance from a weighing station of the scale a customer attracting message may be output and when the customer is at a second, closer distance from the weighing station an instruction message may be output. Other electronic devices may utilize a similar staged message feature.

Abstract: A scale system, such as a food product scale in a perishables department of a store, includes multiple scale login enabling RF identification units for use by corresponding service personnel, and a scale adapted to identify an acceptable RF identification unit that meets criteria indicative of likelihood of scale use and to perform an automated login operation for the identified RF identification unit.

Abstract: A food product scale system includes a customer detecting functionality and a voice functionality for outputting one or more audible voice messages when a customer is detected. When a customer is at a first distance from a weighing station of the scale a customer attracting message may be output and when the customer is at a second, closer distance from the weighing station an instruction message may be output. Other electronic devices may utilize a similar staged message feature.

Abstract: The invention is a sharpener for a knife of a food slicer. The sharpener includes a base assembly and a sharpener assembly. The base assembly includes a lever mounted thereto on a pivot; the lever carrying a cam member which extends therefrom. The sharpener assembly includes a housing and a longitudinal cavity, a sharpening wheel mounted for rotation on an axle which reciprocates lengthwise in the cavity, a compression spring positioned in the cavity at the base of the axle, and an actuator which reciprocates in the cavity portion on the side of the spring opposite the axle. Upon moving the lever about its pivot, the cam contacts the actuator and moves the actuator in the direction of the axle and compresses the spring. The spring moves the plunger lengthwise within the cavity and urges the sharpening wheel against the knife.

Abstract: An energy efficient scale using a load cell for weight detection and a power supply for powering the load cell at one or another of three different current levels. The highest current level provides accurate weight indication. The intermediate current level provides only a signal indicating the presence of a package on the scale. The lowest current level is sufficient only for keeping the load cell electrically centered. If a package is placed on the scale while the load cell is receiving current at the intermediate level, then a resulting package detection signal causes the scale to switch to full operating current.

Abstract: An improved corrugator roll for use in an apparatus for making corrugated paperboard wherein the flute tip and a portion flank of the roll base metal are selectively hardened to a predetermined depth by an electro magnetic process. The valleys of the flutes and the remainder of the flank are maintained at the same hardness as the base material.