Abstract: The luggage scale strap attaches to a luggage item as a shoulder strap. The luggage scale strap weighs the luggage item, detects changes in the weight of the luggage item, and alerts an appropriate authority when a weight change has been detected by the luggage scale strap in the luggage item. The presumption of the disclosure at bar is that a weight change in the luggage item indicates to the appropriated authority that something has been inappropriately added to or removed from the luggage item. The luggage scale strap comprises a shoulder strap, a control circuit, a personal data device, and the luggage item. The shoulder strap contains the control circuit. The shoulder strap attaches to the luggage item. The control circuit monitors the weight of the luggage item. The control circuit notifies the appropriate authority about weight changes in the luggage item through the personal data device.

Abstract: A self-service retail food station is configured to enable a patron to select and serve themselves food selections from a plurality of disparately priced foods, priced by weight. the self-service retail food station has at least one intelligent food service pan joined to a weight scale and containing food for service therein. A data controller is communicatively coupled to the weight scale and configured to measure adjustments on the weight scale. A tracking device is programmed with an integrated software application containing instructions to identify the patron who owns the mobile device. Then, communicate with the data controller as to a weight adjustment caused by the patron. Finally, present the patron a final price for payment.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, vehicle, and/or computer program provides that one or more components of a vehicle are operated as a function of a predetermined pick-up time of the vehicle at a pick-up position of a parking facility in such a way that the vehicle exhibits one or more predetermined states at the pick-up position at the predetermined pick-up time.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product to perform image-based estimation of a risk of a vehicle having a specified status include receiving images from one or more cameras, obtaining one or more vehicle images of the vehicle from the image, classifying the vehicle based on the one or more vehicle images to determine a vehicle classification, extracting features from the one or more vehicle images based on the vehicle classification, and comparing the features with risk indicators to determine estimation of the risk. Instructions are provided for an action based on the risk.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system including a scale that weighs an item placed on the scale and encodes the weight and/or other item information into a machine readable code. The system may include a display that is coupled to the scale and displays the machine readable code. The scale may encode the item in Quick Response (QR) code format, Universal Product Code (UPC) format, and/or other computer-readable format. A mobile device may take a picture of or otherwise scan the machine readable code to determine the weight and/or other information encoded therein. The system may include a wireless transmitter that wirelessly transmits the weight. The mobile device may include a wireless receiver that wirelessly receives the weight transmitted from the scale. The mobile device may execute a self-scan application that uses the de-encoded or otherwise obtained weight for pricing the item based on the weight or other purposes.

Abstract: Connected tableware is provided with various sensors and systems for quantifying a user's dietary intake. Sensors and systems include a weight sensing system, a fluid level sensor, a fat content sensor, and a temperature sensor. Further, the connected tableware is comprised in a system including a data transfer medium (i.e. “smartphone”) and the Cloud, which allows for data transfer between multiple platforms from the connected tableware. The connected tableware and the system operate in conjunction to identify the dietary items contained on the connected tableware, thus quantifying dietary intake of a user.

Abstract: Multifunction portable computing devices capable of functioning as digital scales are described. For example, an object may be placed on the screen of a stationary smartphone, which in turn will calculate and display the weight of said object.

Abstract: A printing unit for a weighing device, which has a housing and a load plate, includes an interior configured to hold a print medium. A front panel has a printer opening communicating with the interior for passage of the print medium therethrough. A top cover is disposed above the front panel and extends in an opening direction from the housing of the weighing device, past an edge of the load plate of the weighing device and to the front panel. A side edge cover is disposed at each side of the top cover. The top cover, front panel and side edge covers are shaped so as to direct a liquid from the load plate toward at least one of a bottom region and a drain of the printing unit without entering into the interior.

Abstract: An integrated scanner, scale and touchscreen display (“integrated touchscreen scanner”) is addressed. In one alternative, the integrated touchscreen scanner further includes a printer for printing receipts, coupons and the like. The integrated touchscreen scanner is designed for flush mounting in a checkout or self-checkout stand. Keystrokes, icon selection and the like may be suitably sensed employing weigh cells in the scale of the integrated touchscreen scanner. Additionally, the display may be partitioned into a customer portion and a checker portion. This partitioning may be fixed or dynamically adjusted in response to the state of the transaction.

Abstract: A cassette device is arranged to be removably mounted to or inserted into a printing device of a weighing scale housing a print-head mechanism and a drive roller. The cassette device includes a feed hub and a take-up hub rotatably mounted to a wall for cooperating with the drive roller. The wall forms a part of or closure for the weighing scale housing. Label roll end sensing, backing paper tension control, print head movement and pressure adjustment, and label feed/print line alignment arrangements are also described.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device comprising a platform to support the body weight of the user; a body weight sensor to generate data which is representative of the user's weight, processing circuitry to calculate the user's weight, a user interface (e.g., a visual display, coupled to the processing circuitry, to display the weight of the user); and communication circuitry (implementing, e.g., wired, wireless and/or optical techniques) to: (1) receive user identification data (is any data that identifies a particular user, a particular device and/or from which a particular user or device may be determined) from an external portable activity monitoring device, (2) receive activity data from the external portable activity monitoring device, and (3) transmit the activity data to a data storage which is (i) external to the biometric monitoring device and (ii) associated with the user identification data.

Abstract: A printer cassette device is arranged to be removably mounted to or inserted into a printing device of a weighing scale. The printer cassette device comprises a rotatable locking mechanism for rotational engagement with the printing device.

Abstract: A system for an ice merchandiser having a compressor in a compressor enclosure to cool the ice merchandiser includes a sensor disposed within the ice merchandiser, and a communications component disposed within the compressor enclosure and coupled to the sensor to receive signals from the sensor representative of the amount of ice in the ice merchandiser, wherein the communications component is configured to convert the received signals to a digital format and publish the signals via a network connection.

Abstract: A low-power, automated weight logger may include a weighing scale having an electronic load cell and a data logger having a memory and a battery power supply. An adapter circuit may be connected to the electronic load cell and the data logger. The adapter circuit may include a battery power supply, a switchable voltage regulator, and an amplifier. The data logger may switch the voltage regulator in the adapter circuit on and off. The amplifier may amplify a signal from the load cell and send the amplified signal to the data logger. The voltage regulator may regulate power from the power supply to the load cell.

Abstract: A body composition measuring instrument includes a body composition calculating unit for calculating the body composition of a user by using a plurality of electrodes, a reference value storage region for storing information of a reference value related to the past body composition of the user, a display control unit for performing a control to display a position of the body composition during the time calculated by the body composition calculating unit in reference to a line showing the reference value on a predetermined graph, and a display section for providing a display corresponding to the output from the display control unit.

Abstract: A method for selectively printing different messages on labels printed by an in-store scale involves providing an in-store scale including a label printing mechanism with a supply of labels and a communications link for receiving information from a site external to the store. The scale label printing mechanism is configured in a first state and, during the first state, simultaneous printing of two types of information on a first label takes place. In particular, both (i) product information for a specified product to which the first label will be applied and (ii) a first message pertaining to a product which is different than the specified product to which the first label will be applied, are printed on the first label. The in-store scale receives a message control signal via the communications link which configures the scale label printing mechanism in a second state. During the second state, simultaneous printing of two types of information on a second label takes place.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for implementing automatic vehicle control with parameter-driven disengagement. In one embodiment, a course for a vehicle is determined along which the vehicle is to be automatically guided. An indication is received that a pre-defined parameter has been exceeded In response to receiving the indication, the generation of vehicle control commands is then suspended.

Abstract: A system and method of calculating chemical usage during a refilling of a supply tank, which includes the steps of providing a chemical system having a first supply tank of known capacity, wherein the tank is mounted upon an electronic scale. The scale is capable of generating a series of signals related to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill. A system controller receives a series of signals from the scale relating to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill. The first supply tank is filled from a source of chemical feed and the fill time for the filling of the first supply tank is obtained. The system controller inputs the series of signals from the scale relating to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill and calculates a usage during refilling based on a feed rate times the fill time.

Abstract: In a system and a method for postal matter processing, with automatic reception of postal matter in receiving stations and with a staggered postal matter processing, acquisition of shipping data and providing the postal matter with a machine-readable marking and storage of the mail take place in the receiving stations. The marked postal matter is transported to a remote distributing station having at least one franking means at which transfer of the shipping data allocated to the marking into a memory of the franking means ensues. The postal matter is franked in the distributing station according to the data that are stored in the memory allocated to the marking.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide to provide a measuring and printing device by which an operation for replacing a label paper can be performed from the front face of the device and a desired size of the operation screen (display operation unit) can be employed independently of a size of a printer. The measuring and printing device comprises a measuring unit in which a measuring tray is disposed over load cells, and a printing unit for printing prescribed particulars such as the value measured by the measuring unit, wherein the printing unit is disposed substantially at the center of the device and a display operation unit is disposed at the front side of the device, and when the display operation unit has opened, the printing unit is exposed such that a paper can be replaced.

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 present invention is to provide to provide a measuring and printing device by which an operation for replacing a label paper can be performed from the front face of the device and a desired size of the operation screen (display operation unit) can be employed independently of a size of a printer. The measuring and printing device comprises a measuring unit in which a measuring tray is disposed over load cells, and a printing unit for printing prescribed particulars such as the value measured by the measuring unit, wherein the printing unit is disposed substantially at the center of the device and a display operation unit is disposed at the front side of the device, and when the display operation unit has opened, the printing unit is exposed such that a paper can be replaced.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for weighing and labeling packages of goods are provided. Each package is supplied to an electronic scale that is connected to an electronic analyzer that contains a computer. The load carrying mechanism of the scale is embodied as a conveyor belt, the speed of which is greater during supply and withdrawal than during a weighing process. Labeling of a package is effected on the conveyor belt after conclusion of the weighing process. Disruptions of the scale, caused by vibrations resulting from conveying and labeling packages, are eliminated on the one hand by a sufficiently high dead weight of the load carrying mechanism and on the other hand by a low-pass filter that is disposed in the electronic analyzer.

Abstract: An automatic mail processing machine includes modular mail processing stations for: 1) stacking and feeding envelopes, 2) weighing envelopes, and 3) applying indicia to the envelopes. The modules of the mail processing machine are linearly disposed with respect to each other. The array of modules configure an automatic mailing machine which requires a small amount of space. The automatic mailing machine may be used to process envelopes of mixed weights and sizes without undue and costly procedures being performed to the machine. The mailing machine may further be utilized to process envelopes of similar sizes and shapes without requiring that each envelope be individually weighed.

Abstract: An apparatus has a transport mechanism for transporting mailpieces to a printing and weighing station. The apparatus also includes a weighing device; a printing mechanism operatively associated with the weighing device to form the printing and weighing station; a carriage assembly moveably mounted in the apparatus, the printing mechanism removeably supported on the carriage assembly to move therewith between the printing and weighing station and at least a second station; and structure to transfer complete support of the printing mechanism from the carriage assembly to the weighing device during movement of the printing mechanism into the printing and weighing station.

Abstract: A system for accepting and storing items for subsequent pickup by a commercial carrier includes a storage area which is defined by an outer housing, and a customer interface area that includes a weighing unit and a unit, such as a magnetic card reader, for accepting payment from a customer. The system may also include a control system that accepts address information from the customer through a key pad, and then instructs a printer to print an address label for the item. The system includes safeguards which prevent unauthorized access to the storage area, and will not provide a receipt to the customer until internal sensors verify deposit of the item. A manifest printer may also be provided for the benefit of the commercial carriers who service the system, to print out a summary of the transactions that pertain to each carrier. Alternatively, no storage area is provided.

Abstract: Composite sample storage and measurement system having a divided vessel for receiving samples, the first part of which stores the samples received, and a second part of which, isolated by a flexible membrane, contains a standard fluid which is displaced to a reservoir to determine the weight of standard fluid displaced, and therefore, the volume of sample received. The reservoir, the flexible line from vessel to reservoir and the vessel are maintained under superatmospheric pressure to assure sample integrity.

Abstract: A curbside check-in counter includes a cabinet unit that can be moved from place to place in a transportation terminal while still retaining features that permit a passenger to complete his or her check-in procedure in a manner similar to that carried out at a main check-in position. The check-in counter has a scale unit that is connected to a computer in the unit so baggage can be weighed, and any excess baggage charges noted and assessed. The scale unit can be stored beneath the check-in counter when not in use. The check-in counter further includes compartments for a printer as well as displays for flight information. The cabinet unit further includes compartments for heating and air conditioning systems, as well as trash bins, cash drawers, control panel compartments, and compartments for other units associated with the counter.

Abstract: A mixed mail processing machine comprising a series of modules for performing mail processing functions on the mail pieces as they are transported, oriented horizontally, along a feed deck bordered by a reference surface for registering the mail piece edges, the feed deck being tilted by an angle of 4.degree.-6.degree. off of a horizontal plane for utilizing the assistance of gravity forces to maintain the mail pieces registered.

Abstract: A thimble (10) for the eye (4) of a rope (2) is provided with a sleeve (40) which receives the pin (32) of a shackle (30) and a bar (42) which attaches this sleeve to the inside wall of the thimble. The load in this beam is measured and recorded by means of a mechanical strain recording device (50) in which a scribe (56) on an arm (54) marks on a recording surface (52).

Abstract: A printer operatively associated with an electronic weigher includes an input unit having numeric keys or format keys, a memory device storing a plurality of programs for controlling positions at which data are to be printed on a label as well as the size of the printed data, each program corresponding to a different label format, reading means for reading out of the memory device a program corresponding to a format designated by operating the keys of the input unit, and a printing mechanism for printing predetermined data on a label at a predetermined position of the label on the basis of the program read out of the memory device.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronic scale printer, and more particularly an electronic scale printer in which a printer is connected electrically to the electronic scale used in a department store or supermarket etc., and required data are printed on a printing sheet under an instruction from the electronic scale and issued from the printer. The invention provides a printer capable of issuing both a label and a receipt through one printing means and more particularly an electronic scale printer in which either a label or a receipt corresponding to the kind of printing sheet stored in a cassette is printed and issued under proper replacement of the cassette having printing sheet for label stored therein with a cassette having a printing sheet for receipt stored therein.

Abstract: An electronic weighing device comprises a weighing apparatus for generating weight data responsive to the weight of a load, a memory having a true value memory area and N data memory areas for time sequentially storing the weight data from this weighing apparatus in every sampling cycle, a display device for displaying at least the true value data stored in the true value memory area, and a control unit for storing into the true value memory area the true value data calculated by processing the weight data stored in the N data memory areas in accordance with a display blinking prevention process. When it is detected that the difference between the weight data derived in two successive sampling cycles is a predetermined value or more, the control unit inhibits the display blinking prevention process and stores into the true value memory area the true value data calculated on the basis of the weight data stored in the N data memory areas.

Abstract: An electronic weigher in which, when a commodity is weighed, commodity data are called from memory by pressing a preset key and are utilized by a display or printer, and in which at least the weight and price of the commodity are displayed. Disposed at the side of the weigher body is a keyboard having a plurality of preset keys for reading out the commodity data. The keyboard, which is rotatably connected to the weigher body by a connecting shaft, can be erected and reclined about the connecting shaft and disconnected from the weigher body when necessary.

Abstract: A printer is used for printing the output of an electronic balance, for example, having a printing roller as a component of a printing unit. The printing roller is adapted to be driven by a motor and to feed the printing sheet by its own rotation when a printing head presses the printing sheet against the printing roller and impresses a given print on the printing sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing indicia on articles or packages, which indicia is an indication of such variables as identification, destination, weight, cost, postage or a combination of such variables. In one form, an article or container is disposed on a weighing device, such as a scale, and the weight of the article which is indicated when the scale balances, is automatically applied as a bar code, numerical indication or other form of indicia to a select portion of the surface of the article. The indicia may be printed by means of selectively operated printing wheels, an ink jet, a laser or electron beam marking device or other means which operate through an opening in the platform of the scale or from a location at the side of the scale.

Abstract: A price computing weighing scale has a platform 10 and a m in housing 14 and also incorporates a printer unit 16 located between the platform 10 and the main housing 14 so as to be removable as a unit whereby the scale can be supplied with or without a printing facility. Location of the printer unit 16 within the area beneath the platform 10 minimises the counter space occupied by the weighing scale and printer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing indicia on articles or packags, which indicia is an indication of such variables as identification, destination, weight, cost, postage or a combination of such variables. In one form, an article or container is disposed on a weighing device, such as a scale, and the weight of the article which is indicated when the scale balances, is automatically applied as a bar code, numerical indication or other form of indicia to a select portion of the surface of the article. In a particular form, an indication of postage is printed on the article or container placed on the platform, which indication is derived from a combination of the weight of the article and its destination, wherein the latter information is derived from the manual input device or a reading device which is operable to read a destination code or the address label of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the blend of fibers being dropped onto a receiver by a plurality of weigh pans responsive to predetermined weights of the fibers being accumulated in the respective weigh pans. An electrical signal is produced when predetermined weights of fibers are loaded into the weigh pans. Each of the weigh pans is equipped with a monitoring circuit which includes load cells operably connected to respective weigh pans which generate an analog signal indicating the weight of the fibers accumulated in the weigh pan. An analog to digital converter converts the analog signal and responsive to being triggered is fed into a latch circuit that is triggered by the electrical signal produced when all of the hoppers are full. A digital to analog converter is connected to the latch circuit and converts the digital signal back to an analog signal that is recorded on a chart recorder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering metal containers of a selected type from a collection of trash is disclosed. The apparatus includes pneumatic and magnetic separators for removing extraneous debris. The separated containers are crushed and weighed. Compensation is issued in response to the weight of the separated containers. The separated containers are stored in an overhead compartment for collection and transportation.

Abstract: The instant Brinell sandwich transducer has a layer of small hardened steel alls between two layers of softer materials. The balls may be closely packed or separated into a less dense array by a spacer. Indentations in the softer materials indicate the maximum compressive forces that have been applied to the balls. The diameters of identations in a sampling pattern are measured by a microscope since such diameters indicate the magnitude of the forces which have been registered by the transducer. Good resolution over a range of more than a factor of 100 has been obtained. With pulses ranging from static to approximately half-sines with rise times of 0.1 millisecond and a fall time of 0.1 millisecond, rate effects have been insignificant. That is, the indicated gauge pressure is not sensitive to the rate at which the pressure is applied for a broad range of pulse rise times and durations. Also, these gauges incorporate high axial stiffness and flat geometry.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a liquid crystal cell having transparent front and back walls with transparent electrodes on their facing sides and a liquid crystal material between the walls. The electrodes are segmented into matrix elements according to the cumulative pattern of all characters desired to be displayed or recorded, and are electrically addressable in response to selection circuitry. The front wall is in the form of a fiber-optic plate comprising a plurality of parallel arranged optical fibers. The apparatus is particularly useful to display or record measurement data, such as from a weighing device.