Abstract: A combinational weighing system including a plurality of weighing machines each comprising a weighing hopper (20) and an associated hopper module (22) arranged to provide a measurement of the weight of the contents of the associated hopper (20); a plurality of channels (14) via which articles are respectively fed from a common source (17) directly into each of the hoppers (20); a central control (76) for utilizing the weight measurements provided by the hopper modules (22) to select from the hoppers (20) a number of hoppers (20) whose contents have a total weight substantially equal to a target weight; and the selected number of hoppers (20) discharging into a collection chute (24) to feed a batch of articles of substantially the target weight to a collection point.

Abstract: A weighing hopper (20) comprising: a body portion for containing articles; a port in the body portion; a door (21) pivotally connected to the body portion for rotation about a first axis (A) between a first position in which the port is closed by the door (21) to retain articles in the body portion and a second position in which articles contained in the hopper (20) can be discharged through the port; and a mechanism (23) for moving the door (21) between its first and second positions comprising a first member (58) rigidly connected to the door (21); a second member (60) pivotally connected to the first member (58) for rotation about a second axis (E) parallel to and spaced from the first axis (A); and a third member (62) pivotally connected to the second member (60) for rotation about a third axis (B) parallel to and spaced from the second axis (E), and pivotally connected to the body portion for rotation about a fourth axis (C) parallel to and fixedly spaced from the first axis (A) so that rotation of the t

Abstract: A data entry system includes a keyboard which includes a panel of chemically toughened, laminated glass. The upper surface of the panel has a plurality of key areas respectively representative of different keys, and a plurality of LEDs are respectively positioned opposite the key areas adjacent the lower surface of the panel. Each LED has a photodiode associated therewith, each photodiode being arranged to receive infra-red light emitted by the associated LED, transmitted through the glass panel and reflected back from an operator's finger placed on the respective key area to operate that key. Output signals are produced in response to infra-red light reflected back to the photodiodes, and, in response to these signals, a microprocessor produces an output indicative of an operated key. The data entry system is suitable for use in a through-the-wall automated teller machine.