Abstract: A dimensional weighing apparatus is disclosed which has a weighing scale for determining the actual weight of a carton placed thereon, and associated therewith is a measuring frame and an optical sensing system for measuring the linear distance of the three axes of carton positioned on the scale necessary to determine the volume of the carton. A computer processing unit determines firstly whether the actual volume of the carton is less or greater than a predetermined threshold volume, and provides an operator with a signal indicating that determination.

Abstract: A scale for fast determination of weights including a platform and 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 user 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 resonance below the cut off frequency of the filter.

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 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 postage meter which imprints non-dollar amount indicia representative of postage value determining information. The meter receives postage value determining information, such as mail piece weight, associated with particular mail pieces; computes the corresponding postage; imprints the particular envelope with the postage value determining information; and accounts for the postage thus expended. Because the range of postage value determining information is small compared the possible range of postage setting information the meter to print is quicker and easier. In one embodiment the meter also prints a validating indicia which assures that the rates used to compute the postage value are valid. In another embodiment the postage value determining information includes information which characterizes a batch of mail, for example as being entitled to a pre-sort discount.

Abstract: According to the invention, a multiranging scale which operates in two weighing modes, a high range mode and a low range mode, and which displays not only weight but rate and/or charge information associated with mailing or shipping an article, is inhibited from displaying or outputting a signal indicative of the rate and/or charge when in the high range mode of operation the weight of the article is below a threshold, thereby causing the user to select the low range mode of operation. In addition to inhibiting the rate/charge display an audible or visual signal may be provided to more actively cue the user to switch to the low range weighing mode.

Abstract: A weighing instrument is provided with two sets of breakpoints; "generic breakpoints" which fall at the midpoint of successive display intervals, and "postal breakpoints" which fall at or near one of the two successive display intervals. Under "normal" circumstances, the postal breakpoints are in place and the instrument is used as a "weight classifier". When it is sensed that the "weighing history" of the instrument is such that weighing errors due to "creep" will affect the accuracy of the instrument, and will be augmented by the bias inherent in the use of postal breakpoints, the generic breakprints are instituted. An example of a weighing history of a nature that the generic breakpoints should be implemented is the application of a "large" weight (such as 75% of full range) to the instrument for a "long" time (such as in excess of 30 seconds). The postal breakpoints are reimplemented in the instrument upon a return to substantially zero weight on the instrument.Method and apparatus are disclosed.

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: 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 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: 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.

Abstract: Method for tracking creep and drift of a digital scale after a load has been placed upon a scale pan. The tare weight is determined at a time before a load is placed upon the pan and is stored. After the pan comes to equilibrium, the gross weight of the scale is determined and stored. Variance in the gross weight as a result of creep and drift is tracked and after an incremental amount is determined the value of such variance is added to the stored tare weight so that upon removal of the load from the pan the true tare weight is maintained.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for increasing accuracy of optical phase shift in quadrature systems by varying the angle at which light is directed through pairs of diffraction gratings. A more precise adjustment of the phase angle between two adjacent index gratings is achieved after manufacturing and assembly by using a light source and diverging or converging its rays of light. The accuracy of the phase shift of resultant signals is greatly improved over methods of mechanical alignment heretofore used. The improved accuracy allows for the manufacture of a broad tolerance system, with the inherent reduction of costs.

Abstract: An optical detector provides an optically amplified function of displacement to be measured. The detector includes a first optical grating which moves with a displaceable member, while a second reticle grating is positioned in a plurality of phase displaced zones which remain fixed. The light beam is modulated by both gratings and detected by a plurality of photodetectors, each positioned behind one of the phase displaced zones. Pairs of phase displaced photodetector signals are processed at a comparator to provide a pair of phase quadrature digital waveforms for tracking the position of the displaceable member. Signal resolution is provided in the presence of zero displacement drift and vibration induced oscillation by interrogation of the photodetector signals which are filtered to provide average values.

Abstract: A mass produced weight measuring system includes an optical transducer for determining the displacement of a scale load support structure with respect to a scale frame. To facilitate mass fabrication an optical transducer is produced and both gratings adjusted for alignment as a subassembly unit independent of the scale frame and load support structure; the clearance between the grating planes is set and the movable grating temporarily fixed. Nonlinearities in scale load support deflection inherent with the scale linkage and providing components other than true vertical deflection are compensated by adjustment of the grating angle from a horizontal plane.