Abstract: An improved weight monitoring device that accurately monitors the weight of containers or other such heavy objects. The device allows for full legal loads in containers without overfilling the intended weight. A hydraulic load cell with an analog pressure transducer is coupled with an analog to digital converter to convert the analog signals into electronic digital signals which are then read by computer to determine results. The weight is conditioned by utilizing pressure and temperature amplifications, which allow the container to be zeroed and scaled to monitor the weight. This device utilizes a microprocessor to operate the electronic functions and to calculate the data. The data is stored in a read only memory chip to prevent tampering. The results can be read on sight or via downloading of information with a computer modem. The signals converted are linearly interpolated to produce highly accurate results. This device allows for timely weight reports and accurate management decisions.

Abstract: A video record player includes a common drive belt for selectively translating a pickup stylus carriage. The player is equipped with a first drive mechanism, including a turntable-driven pulley, for utilizing the common drive belt for translating the carriage during playback toward the center of a turntable at a speed correlated to the speed of rotation of the turntable while stylus/record engagement is effected. The first drive mechanism includes a slip clutch interposed between the common drive belt and the turntable-driven pulley. In such players, a record caddy is used to push the carriage back to a starting position away from the turntable center, when it is at a position other than at the starting position during a caddy insertion into the player.

Abstract: A video record player includes a common drive belt for selectively translating a pickup stylus carriage. The player is equipped with a first drive mechanism, including a turntable-driven pulley, for utilizing the common drive belt for translating the carriage during playback toward the center of a turntable at a speed correlated to the speed of rotation of the turntable while stylus/record engagement is effected. A manually-actuated second drive mechanism is employed for utilizing the common drive belt for translating the carriage during active searching toward and away from the turntable center at a speed independent of the speed of rotation of the turntable while the stylus is in engagement with the record.

Abstract: A video disc player includes a turntable for centering and rotatably supporting a record for playback. A pickup stylus for recovering information stored on a turntable-supported record during playback is mounted in a carriage. A play belt is provided for translating the carriage toward the turntable center at a speed correlated to the speed of rotation of the turntable. A search belt is provided for translating the carriage toward and away from the turntable center at a speed independent of the speed of rotation of the turntable. A mechanical toggle switch is mounted to the carriage for motion between a first location, a second location and a third location. The toggle switch in the first location connects the carriage to the play belt to the exclusion of the search belt. When disposed in the second location, the toggle switch frees the carriage from both belts. The toggle switch secures the carriage to the search belt, to the exclusion of the play belt, while occupying the third location.

Abstract: A record extracting mechanism for a video disc player includes latch arms which alternate between (1) a retracted condition permitting arrival of a package at a fully inserted position in the player, and (2) an extended condition precluding a removal from the player of a record during a package withdrawal subsequent to an occupied package arrival at the fully inserted position, whereby a record enclosed in the package is retained in the player. The player includes means for alternating the latch arms between the two conditions in response to each package insertion into the player.