Abstract: A detecting system for checking shapes, sizes, and/or positions of products, includes a feeding module configured to transfer the products into the detecting system, a detecting module configured to detect the products, a discharging module configured to remove the products out of the detection system, a conveying module configured to transport the products, a data processing module configured to deal with the data information measured by the detecting module, and an electronic control module configured to control the feeding module, the detecting module, the discharging module, the conveying module, and the data processing module. The detecting module includes a first detection module configured to get size and position images of the products, and a second detecting unit configured to detect a gap between two planes of the products. The present disclosure also discloses a detecting method for products.

Abstract: A document rights management system (DRM) defines an unrenderable origin designator in a media item that does not display or alter the physically rendered version of an instantiation of the media item. The unrenderable designator does not appear as an obscured or occluded feature in a printed or displayed versions. The rendered version is unaffected by the unrenderable designator because it does not result in any displayable features. The unrenderable designator is stored in a display list of the media item and appears as an attribute of objects such that the function to cause the display object to be undisplayable, or unrenderable, are not immediately apparent. The DRM system encodes a designator in an attribute of a display object for rendering according to a media rendering format such as PDF, such that the designator causes the display object to be unrenderable and indicates the origin of the media item.

Abstract: An optical code scanner is presented that includes an improved user interface and an improved external computer interface. The user interface includes illumination devices that illuminate an air gap between the edges of a weigh plate and the top surface of the optical code scanner. The illumination devices provide guidance to the operator that allows the operator to optimize scanning performance. The external computer interface exposes controls that allow an external computer to determine what information is displayed to an operator.

Abstract: According to certain inventive techniques, a body weight measuring device measures a weight of a load over a period of time to generate a reading. The body weight measuring device includes a plurality of load sensors, a radio, at least one processor, and a display. The plurality of load sensors is configured to generate load information during the reading. The load information includes a plurality of measurements from each of the plurality of load sensors received over the period of time. The radio is configured to wirelessly transmit reading information. The at least one processor is configured to receive the load information from the plurality of load sensors, analyze the load information to determine weight information, analyze at least one of the load information or the weight information to determine stability information, communicate the reading information to the radio. The reading information comprises the load information and the stability information.

Abstract: A weighing cell based on the principle of electromagnetic force compensation and having an optoelectronic position sensor that includes a light source, a light receiver, and a shutter vane. The light receiver functions to generate a position sensor signal corresponding to a deflection of the shutter vane from a zero position which occurs as a result of placing a load onto a load receiver of the weighing cell. A controller functions to regulate compensation current in response to the position sensor signal in such a way that the shutter vane and the movable parts of the weighing cell connected to the shutter vane are returned to the zero position by the electromagnetic force between a coil and permanent magnet system of the weighing cell.

Abstract: A label printing scale device includes separable casings that are vertically overlaid in two levels, one on top of the other. Specifically, the label printing scale device includes an upper casing housing at least a load cell and a circuit part, and a lower casing housing at least power-generation circuit, a printer, and a control part.

Abstract: A scheduling apparatus, system, and article including a machine-accessible medium, along with a method of dynamically processing events, are disclosed. The apparatus may include a receiving module capable of receiving information associated with an event. The information may include an event name and event time. The apparatus may also include a memory capable of storing the information associated with the event, and being communicatively coupled with the receiving module. The memory may be used to store a plurality of schedule items, at least one of which may be associated with an item time. The method may include selecting an event associated with a transaction and event time, determining whether a conflict exists, and adjusting the set of events stored in the memory to include the information associated with the event if no conflict is found.

Abstract: Technologies are provided in embodiments to enable secure one-time printing for electronic coupons. The embodiments are configured to provide, for display on a display screen of a user device, one or more coupon offers, to receive information indicating at least one offer is selected by a user, to communicate a unique identifier of the user device and an indication of the at least one selected offer to a coupon platform, and to receive the at least one selected offer to be printed if the at least one selected offer is available. Embodiments are also configured to bypass a print dialog box to provide the at least one selected offer directly to a default printer associated with the user device. Specific embodiments are configured to communicate to the coupon platform whether the print was successful. In specific embodiments, coupon codes are not displayed with the one or more coupon offers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed, and for checking that the correct amount of postage has been paid for delivery of the article. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision closed-loop servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282) to determine weight. Correct postage is determined in a processor (1212), and the postage actually paid is checked either by image analysis (1204, 1214, 1280) or by accessing a stored mailer manifest (1280).

Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.

Abstract: A dynamic scale has multiple weighing units, each equipped with a weighing cell and a weighing pan, the weighing pan lying in an upper plane and the weighing cell between a lower plane spaced from the upper plane in the direction of gravity. A transport device has a motor encoder and sensors, with the encoder and sensors being electrically connected with the inputs of a control unit. The multiple weighing units are serially adjacent in a transport path, with simultaneous cascaded arrangement of the weighing cells in the direction of gravity. The control unit simultaneously starts the weighing processes in all weighing cells in a dynamic weighing mode and controls a transport motor depending on signals of the sensors and the encoder and controls the dynamic scale depending on signals from the weighing cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods which restrict the use of Value Bearing Indicia (VBI) such that a general purpose interface application can be used to securely and/or precisely print VBI. A method and/or system of embodiments of the invention, includes a general purpose interface application being operated on a general purpose processor to request VBI, and in response to that request, receiving a content object comprising both the VBI and defined parameters which are controlled such that the general purpose interface application's use of the VBI is restricted.

Abstract: A commodity search device includes a storage unit, a measuring unit, a number input unit, a unit average weighing value calculator, and a first commodity search unit. The storage unit stores commodity information including a reference unit weight determined for each commodity. The measuring unit measures a total weight of commodities placed at a predetermined weighing position. The number input unit allows inputting the number of the weighed commodities. The unit average weighing value calculator divides the total weight of the commodities weighed by the measuring unit by the number input by the number input unit to calculate a unit average weighing value per one commodity. The first commodity search unit searches for commodities falling within a weight deviation from the storage unit using the unit average weighing value.

Abstract: A POS-based checkout/scale system including system housing having a vertical housing section with a vertical scanning window, and a horizontal housing section. An electronic weigh scale subsystem is integrated with the system housing, and has a weigh platter supported above the horizontal housing section by a pair of cantilever-type weigh scale arms operably connected to an electronic load cell module. During a first mode of operation a powered support mechanism allows the cantilever-type weigh scale arms to bear the full weight of the weigh platter and any items supported thereon so that the electronic load cell module can accurately measure the weight of items on the weigh platter, and generate weigh data for transmission to the host computer system. During a second mode of operation, the powered support mechanism automatically prevents the electronic load cell module from experiencing the weight of items placed on the weigh platter.

Abstract: A produce transaction system and method which is located in a produce section of a store. The produce transaction system includes a scale below a container in a produce section of a store, the container storing a single type of produce item, and a computer coupled to the scale for receiving a weight decrease signal from the scale when a customer removes an amount of the single type of produce item from the scale and for storing produce purchase information associated with the single type of produce item for later retrieval by a checkout computer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method weigh an object, in particular a flat item of mail, during transport. A conveying device having an endless conveying belt and a counterpart conveying element is able to temporarily grip an object in a clamping region and to transport it in a transporting direction. Weighing scales are able to weigh the object while the object is gripped in a clamping region. The damping element is configured to damp vibrations of an object gripped in the clamping region. The damping element has a surface which is curved in the transporting direction. The endless conveying belt is guided in such a way around the curved surface that the endless conveying belt rests areally against the curved surface in a damping region and the endless conveying belt and the counterpart conveying element are configured to guide the object gripped in the clamping region past the curved surface.

Abstract: A fast, dynamic scale has a weighing unit formed by a weighing cell and a transport mechanism with a first motor to drive the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism) is arranged with the motor on the weighing cell, so the weighing cell is loaded with a preliminary load. A first sensor is located at the beginning of the weighing unit. This first sensor emits a first signal to a control unit to start the weighing process for a cargo piece B. A second sensor emits a second signal to the control unit that thereupon generates a communication that a cargo piece Bn following the cargo piece B can be supplied. A weighing unit with a shortened effective length for the weighing is provided. The shortened length allows the interval between successive cargo pieces to be correspondingly shortened. A switchable extraction device is arranged after the weighing unit in the transport direction.

Abstract: Transport device for a scale, in particular a dynamic scale that preferably operates with electromagnetic force compensation, with a weighing belt that forms a preload for a weighing cell. The weighing belt is constructed to transport materials to be weighed along the X-direction while weighing. The weighing belt receives the materials from a supply device arranged in an upstream inlet area, including a supply belt or supply rollers for supporting the materials and not forming a preload for the weighing cell. Two weighing-guide elements extending in the X-direction and forming a preload provide lateral support of the materials in the Y-direction to weigh the materials during the transport on the weighing belt in the leaning position. The minimum Y-distance between the weighing-guide elements is greater than the maximum extent of the materials in the Y-direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing erroneous weighing of items by detecting items extending beyond a peripheral edge of a weigh platter associated with a data reader. For example, in response to a weigh request a scale guard module acquires data indicative of whether an item extends between the weigh platter and another surface, compares the acquired data to reference data, and based on the comparison, determines whether an item extends off the weigh platter and thus on to another surface. The scale guard module may utilize non-electromagnetic compression waves, radio waves, a portion of a data reader's scan field to scan a set of patterns extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, an imaging based scanner to capture an image of at least one edge of the weigh platter, light beams extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing, a pressure sensor, a signal processing module, an analog-to-digital converting module, a processor, and a setting keypad. The housing supports an object to be weighed. The pressure sensor is mounted on the housing and outputs an analog voltage signal that varies with a pressure exerted on the pressure sensor. The signal processing module amplifies and filters the analog voltage signal. The analog-to-digital converting module converts the analog voltage signal into a digital signal. The processor calculates a weight exerted on the pressure sensor according to the digital signal and calibrates the weight of the pressure sensor when the setting keypad is activated.

Abstract: An object is weighed using a portable electronic device. Placement of an object on a touch panel of the portable electronic device provides measurement of the weight of the object. In the measurement, the portable electronic device sends information to the touch panel to request a user to input a unit price of the object. The portable electronic device then detects a weight of the object placed on the touch panel. The portable electronic device calculates a total price of the object by multiplication of the input unit price and the detected weight of the object. The total price of the object can be then output.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated purchasing system that utilizes wireless purchaser identifier weight sensing shelves that wirelessly communicate with a store server. Purchasers can utilize a wireless identifier that may comprise an RFID or NFC device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer, which is placed in front of the weight sensing shelf and identifies the purchaser. The purchaser can then remove products from the shelves and the store server keeps track of the items removed. The automated purchasing system eliminates the costly and time consuming checkout process in various stores, such as grocery stores, department stores, hardware stores and other similar stores. Locked compartments and access portals can also be accessed. Also disclosed is a weight measuring hanger that comprises a hanger rod. The hanger rod employs a weight sensor that is sufficiently sensitive to detect the removal or addition of a product from the hanger rod.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing erroneous weighing of items by detecting items extending beyond a peripheral edge of a weigh platter associated with a data reader. For example, in response to a weigh request a scale guard module acquires data indicative of whether an item extends between the weigh platter and another surface, compares the acquired data to reference data, and based on the comparison, determines whether an item extends off the weigh platter and thus on to another surface. The scale guard module may utilize non-electromagnetic compression waves, radio waves, a portion of a data reader's scan field to scan a set of patterns extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, an imaging based scanner to capture an image of at least one edge of the weigh platter, light beams extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A flatbed weigh system and methods for weighing substantially flat articles such as mail flats while they are moving. A weigh system has an intake plate (2102) and an accelerator assembly (2100) that receives an article (2150) and accelerates it to a selected velocity. Acceleration is controlled by a servo motor (2112) which in turn is driven by a precision closed-loop servo system (FIG. 12) that accumulates motor torque data to determine the article weight. The accelerator assembly uses vacuum pressure (2130, 2132) to hold the moving article in engagement with a cylindrical capstan roller (2110) while it is being weighed. This vacuum-driven concept eliminates the need for a pinch roller to hold the moving article against a capstan roller as in other designs. Because the pinch roller is eliminated, there is essentially no “bouncing” to address, so dampen is obviated. Further, the vacuum design is not adversely affected by variations in thickness of the article under test as in the pinch roller designs.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a security check at a checkout terminal is disclosed. Various heuristics are utilized to verify that a customer or clerk has properly identified an item being purchased. In various embodiments, the weight or other physical characteristics of an item placed on a product scale are measured and compared with expected physical characteristics for the item. If a mismatch is detected between the actual physical characteristics and the expected physical characteristics, the transaction may be flagged for further investigation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed, for example along a transport of a sorter machine. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Active electronic damping (FIG. 19) preferably is applied in the second servo system minimize vibration of the tension arm, but only while gripping the article.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Active electronic damping (1900) reduces oscillation when an inconsistency in thickness of the article is encountered during weighing. The damping force is subtracted from the capstan motor torque data for improved accuracy (FIG. 20B).

Abstract: An illustrative mailing machine is provided including at least one adjustable optical media width sensor that may be reconfigured for differing postal rating requirements. The media width sensor subassembly has a narrow linear sensor window that is positioned perpendicular to the path of travel of the mail piece. The media width sensor subassembly includes a sensor carriage mount and width measurement scale for facilitating the accurate placement of the adjustable, but secure when placed, sensor carriage. The sensor carriage slidably engages a mount and is spring biased into a locking mechanism in the underside of the media width sensor locating scale.

Abstract: A mobile portable system for a user to weigh an item on a mobile device, the mobile device having a computer processor and a display screen, and a weighing platform integral to the mobile device. The weighing platform may be integral to the display screen or may be a separate piece of hardware. A selector module is provided for allowing the user of the mobile device to choose the type of the item to be weighed. A weighing module is also provided for determining the weight of the item placed by the user on the weighing platform. A visual module in communication with the weighing module is provided to display the weight of the item to the user. The selector module, the weighing module, and the display module are executed by the computer processor of the mobile device.

Abstract: A mail processing system having a transport that reduces the amount of oscillation of the scale to allow for faster weighing of mail pieces is provided. A mailing machine includes a plurality of different modules through which mail pieces are fed by a transport system. A guide piece is provided in the transport path between the weighing module and the subsequent module, e.g., a printing module. The guide piece is structured such that forces imparted on the weighing platform of the weighing module by the trail edge of a mail piece being transported off of the weighing platform are reduced. Because of the reduction in this significant external force on the weighing platform, a faster weighing algorithm can be used on more mail pieces, thereby increasing the throughput of the mailing machine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed, and for checking that the correct amount of postage has been paid for delivery of the article. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision closed-loop servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282) to determine weight. Correct postage is determined in a processor (1212), and the postage actually paid is checked either by image analysis (1204, 1214, 1280) or by accessing a stored mailer manifest (1280).

Abstract: A transport system that reduces the amount of oscillation of the weighing platform thereby weighing mail pieces faster. A take-away nip of the weighing module is formed by a pivot arm having a roller mounted thereon and a drive roller mounted in the weighing platform. The take-away nip feeds mail pieces from the weighing platform to the subsequent module of the mailing machine. The pivot arm has a biasing mechanism with a force that results in less impact force between the pivot arm roller and drive roller when the trailing edge of each mail piece passes through the take-away nip, resulting in less vibration of the weighing platform as mail pieces exit the weighing platform. The reduction in vibration results quicker settling of the weighing platform during weighing of subsequent mail piece, allowing for faster weighing of the mail pieces, which increases the throughput of the mailing machine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260, 1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Fourier analysis can conveniently be applied for analyzing the acquired current data and comparing to stored calibration data to determine weight. Weight is determined without regard to the actual speed of the moving article.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Fourier analysis can conveniently be applied for analyzing the acquired current data and comparing to stored calibration data to determine weight. Weight is determined without regard to the actual speed of the moving article.

Abstract: A product pricing and incentive system uses a label supply in which continuous label stock has a series of laterally extending weakening lines spaced apart to define multiple label segments of common size. Single segment labels or multiple segment labels can be printed and output by a printing device based on whether an incentive-free product pricing label is to be produced or a combined product pricing and incentive label is to be produced.

Abstract: A produce transaction system and method which is located in a produce section of a store. The produce transaction system includes a scale below a container in a produce section of a store, the container storing a single type of produce item, and a computer coupled to the scale for receiving a weight decrease signal from the scale when a customer removes an amount of the single type of produce item from the scale and for storing produce purchase information associated with the single type of produce item for later retrieval by a checkout computer.

Abstract: An object is weighed using a portable electronic device. Placement of an object on a touch panel of the portable electronic device provides measurement of the weight of the object. In the measurement, the portable electronic device sends information to the touch panel to request a user to input a unit price of the object. The portable electronic device then detects a weight of the object placed on the touch panel. The portable electronic device calculates a total price of the object by multiplication of the input unit price and the detected weight of the object. The total price of the object can be then output.

Abstract: Method and device for determining the mass of postal articles transferred in succession; according to the method, the postal articles are transferred along a path having a change of direction, which entails an acceleration on the postal articles; at least one quantity is measured indicating of the force of reaction to the inertia of the postal articles associated to said acceleration so as to determine then the mass of the postal articles.

Abstract: A transport system that reduces the amount of oscillation of the weighing platform thereby weighing mail pieces faster. A take-away nip of the weighing module is formed by a pivot arm having a roller mounted thereon and a drive roller mounted in the weighing platform. The take-away nip feeds mail pieces from the weighing platform to the subsequent module of the mailing machine. The pivot arm has a biasing mechanism with a force that results in less impact force between the pivot arm roller and drive roller when the trailing edge of each mail piece passes through the take-away nip, resulting in less vibration of the weighing platform as mail pieces exit the weighing platform. The reduction in vibration results quicker settling of the weighing platform during weighing of subsequent mail piece, allowing for faster weighing of the mail pieces, which increases the throughput of the mailing machine.

Abstract: A mail processing system having a transport that reduces the amount of oscillation of the scale to allow for faster weighing of mail pieces is provided. A mailing machine includes a plurality of different modules through which mail pieces are fed by a transport system. A guide piece is provided in the transport path between the weighing module and the subsequent module, e.g., a printing module. The guide piece is structured such that forces imparted on the weighing platform of the weighing module by the trail edge of a mail piece being transported off of the weighing platform are reduced. Because of the reduction in this significant external force on the weighing platform, a faster weighing algorithm can be used on more mail pieces, thereby increasing the throughput of the mailing machine.

Abstract: A medicine weighing device that includes, not only a weighing function, but also an inspection function. The medicine weighing device has a compact structure capable of displaying a weighed value and an inspection result on the same screen, and which can execute inspection according to the input state of weighing conditions.

Abstract: An illustrative mailing machine is provided including at least one adjustable optical media width sensor that may be reconfigured for differing postal rating requirements. The media width sensor subassembly has a narrow linear sensor window that is positioned perpendicular to the path of travel of the mail piece. The media width sensor subassembly includes a sensor carriage mount and width measurement scale for facilitating the accurate placement of the adjustable, but secure when placed, sensor carriage. The sensor carriage slidably engages a mount and is spring biased into a locking mechanism in the underside of the media width sensor locating scale.

Abstract: Shape based postage rate criteria as to whether a postage item (an envelope) is greater than certain thicknesses above which the rate of postage of the item changes is provided by a gauge utilizing the platform of a scale on which the item is weighed. A roller is pivotally mounted on an arm so as to be set at heights over the platform at which the postage rate changes, for example, for envelopes ¼? thick and for envelopes ¾? thick, the envelope is then slid between the roller and the weighing platform. A display operated by the scale reads a weight change if the envelope is above the thickness at which the roller is set. Accordingly, the shape of the postage item provides a direct indication of whether the envelope satisfies postage rate criteria established by the postal authorities.

Abstract: A Cashierless unattended point of sale, shopping store procurement payment means, with storeroom reordering system using a layered wireless linked monitoring and cataloguing system; includes an interfacing electronic configured self-owned reusable three-wheel fold-up shopping trolley with suspended color-coded bins; into which merchandise maybe placed and registered by a passive reading sensor array. A ‘load-cell’ integral to the trolley precisely quantifies and approves trolley bin contents for exit payment through a TCP/IP means. An evaluation wireless communication link repeatedly reviews “polled' trolley content data, this integrated communication link, is networked to the store Operations Center, wherein purchased inventory data is recorded and verified; upon shopping completion the contents are again finally substantiated for final electronic settlement.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-based bar code reading cash register Systems having integrated Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminals.

Abstract: A method (51) for measuring the mass of an object such as a letter (10) in motion. An apparatus (12) for carrying out the present invention includes a pair of rollers (16, 18) through which a letter passes. One of the rollers (16) is driven by a motor (20) which has an associated encoder (22) to give motor positional information to a controller (24). In a method of the present invention the controller generates a ramping torque signal (44) which is provided to the motor. A friction correction curve (40) is generated and applied to the torque signal, and an average torque value (C) is determined. From the positional information provided by the encoder, acceleration (50) is derived and an inertia value is obtained by dividing the average torque (C) by the acceleration. Prior to obtaining an inertia value with a letter, an initial inertia value is obtained without a letter to get a base inertia. The base inertia is subtracted from the measured inertia with a letter to get a difference ?I.

Abstract: Described embodiments relate to systems and methods for providing information to a customer. A weigh station has an input module for receiving a product identifier corresponding to a product and a scale for weighing the product. A storage module stores product information for a plurality of products. An information retrieval module identifies a related information profile from the product information based on the product identifier. An interactive customer display displays visual information based on the related information profile to the customer, which includes a plurality of customer-selectable items. The interactive customer display includes a customer-operated input module operable by the customer to select a selected item from the plurality of customer-selectable items.

Abstract: Custom food product methods and apparatus are provided that allow customers to participate in the preparation of food products as a part of the dining experience. A method of preparing a custom food product under the direction of a customer includes placing a customer-selected substrate on a scale of custom food product preparation table, placing customer-selected ingredients on the substrate in customer-selected amounts and customer-selected areas, and calculating and displaying the cost of the custom food product to the customer as the customer-selected ingredients are placed on the substrate. Each ingredient is assigned a cost per unit of weight and, as the ingredients are utilized, the cost of the food product is calculated and displayed via a display associated with the table. A customer may be provided with a record of the ingredients of the custom food product and may include an image and/or name of the custom food product.

Abstract: A weigh-on-the-fly WOF module for weighing a mail piece as it is being sorted by a mail sort machine. The piece is delivered to entry pinch rollers in the WOF module which, in turn, deliver the piece into pinch at an acceleration roller. The thickness of the piece is measured the pinch at the acceleration roller is adjusted to reduce drag on the mail piece during acceleration. The acceleration roller is driven by a constant torque motor at a first known or measured velocity V1 which is increased to second known or measured velocity V2 when the mail piece arrives. The time of acceleration from V1 to V2 is measured. Once the velocities and the time of acceleration are known, the weigh of that particular mail piece can be calculated using the formula: F=ma wherein F=force or torque m=mass or weight; and a=acceleration or (V2?V1)/time.

Abstract: A food product scale is adapted to interface with an electronic product ordering system, such as a kiosk ordering system, enabling store personnel to more readily identify, process and complete such orders.