Abstract: According to some embodiments a system and an apparatus comprise a registration wall, a weighing device located adjacent to the registration wall, a belt drive mechanism, a plurality of inboard skis, and a plurality of outboard skis. The belt drive mechanism extends across the weighing device for advancing a mail piece relative to the weighing device and the belt drive mechanism is located at a first distance from the registration wall. The plurality of inboard skis are located substantially at the first distance from the registration wall and are located beneath the belt drive mechanism for urging the mail piece upwardly toward the drive belt mechanism. The plurality of outboard skis is coplanar with the plurality of inboard skis for supporting an end of the mail piece. The plurality of outboard skis is located at a second distance from the registration wall. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for handling mailpieces. A mailpiece handling device includes a substantially horizontal deck for receiving a mailpiece. The device also includes a substantially vertical registration wall that extends upwardly from an edge of the deck. The device further includes a disk mounted for rotation in a circular opening in the deck adjacent the registration wall. The disk has a substantially horizontal surface. In addition, the device includes an arm mounted above the disk so as to be pivotable in a horizontal direction. Also, the device includes a steering member mounted at a free end of the arm. The steering member is for applying downward pressure to a mailpiece that is in contact with the disk.

Abstract: A scale, such as a food product scale in a perishables department of a store, identifies an operator via an RF detection system, or other operator identification system, and displays information on the scale user interface in a preferred language for the identified operator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving, for example along a transport path (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, a weigh station comprises a servo motor 110 driven by a servo feed back loop (126, 128) to maintain a selected speed setting 130. When an article is introduced, an impulse is applied to the article sufficient to change its state of motion from its initial state to the selected speed setting. That impulse is applied by the servo motor 110, and the system captures data indicative of the applied impulse, by monitoring the motor current (140, 142). A processor 140 or software converts the captured data to determine a weight of the article, based on stored calibration data 148.

Abstract: A weighing scale adapted to automatically present one or more recipes to a user thereof, and a method of presenting such recipes. The recipes are preferably, but not necessarily, related in some way to a product being weighed or otherwise examined by the weighing scale. A recipe software application selects one or more recipes from a database of recipes and presents the recipes on one or more display devices of the weighing scale. One or more of the presented recipes may be selected by a user for delivery in one or more forms. Recipes may be delivered to a user according to the present invention, by one or more of providing the user with a printout of the selected recipe(s), by emailing the selected recipe(s) to a user, and/or by providing the user with a website URL from which the selected recipe(s) can be downloaded.

Abstract: A random weight item transaction system include a scale with label RFID tag functionality, service person RFID tag functionality and customer RFID tag functionality. A slicer in proximity to the scale may include service person and bulk food product RFID functionalities. The scale may make weigh transaction data available to a computerized checkout system via a communications link or via writing the information to the label RFID tag.

Abstract: A system for alerting an operator of a weighing apparatus is described. The weighing apparatus may be capable of displaying a message in a message area to an operator. The message may be displayed in response to a command sent from a remote device.

Abstract: A weighing system is provided to measure the article weight by first and second weight measurement devices. The first and second weight measurement devices each include a platform adapted to accept an article traveling along an upstream processing path and a device for sensing article weight as the article traverses the platform. Furthermore, the platforms of the first and second weight measurement devices define weight acquisition paths which are substantially parallel to one another. A diverter mechanism is provided to direct articles from the upstream processing path to one of the first or second weight acquisition paths. The diverter mechanism is controlled by a system processor which directs articles to one of the weight measurement devices depending upon its status, i.e., whether the path is available to receive another article for measuring weight. By diverting mailpieces to parallel weight acquisition paths, throughput is enhanced by multiple weight measurements occurring simultaneously.

Abstract: A random weight item transaction system include a scale with label RIFD tag functionality, service person RFID tag functionality and customer RFID tag functionality. A slicer in proximity to the scale may include service person and bulk food product RFID functionalities. The scale may make weigh transaction data available to a computerized checkout system via a communications link or via writing the information to the label RFID tag.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for scanner scale implementation and operation using a plurality of load cells mounted in a planar arrangement. A plurality of load cells is mounted to a scanner base. The load cells are secured within a mounting chassis in such a way that the load bearing elements of the load cells extend through the protective cover. The mounting chassis and load cells may be mounted to the scanner base. A scanner top plate may be secured to the load cells such that the weight of the scanner top plate and any object placed on the scanner top plate is borne by the load bearing elements of the load cells, part of the weight being borne by the load bearing element of each load cell. Upon presentation of an object for weighing, weight signals generated by the load cells are processed to produce a weight reading for the object.

Abstract: Described is a multi-optic scanner that can detect and/or measure weight placed on its vertical plate. In one embodiment, a portion of the vertical plate is positioned under a portion of a horizontal plate so that a force exerted on the vertical plate is transferred, whole or in part, to the horizontal plate. In alternate embodiments, one or more sensors are coupled to the vertical plate for detecting a force on the plate. The sensors can be coupled to an alert, such as an audible signal, to warn an operator of a misread weight.

Abstract: A mail article feeder device having a weighing cell for delivering a weighing signal, a receiver tray having longitudinal and transverse walls for jogging mail articles, and for receiving a stack of mail articles, and an automatic extractor for ejecting mail articles from the stack one by one. The automatic extractor and the receiver tray are carried by the weighing cell, the feeder device further including an intrusion detector for detecting any intervention by an operator on the elements or mail articles.

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: A mailing machine is provided for processing mailpiece envelopes including a housing having a transport deck adapted to convey an envelope along a feed path. The mailing machine is reconfigurable to perform one of two mailpiece processing operation by alternately selecting or activating one of two mailpiece modules/assemblies. A first processing module/assembly is disposed along the feed path and is operative to moisten a glue line disposed along an envelope flap during the first mailpiece processing operation. The second processing module assembly is disposed along the feed path and is adapted to cut and open an edge of the envelope during the second mailpiece processing operation. Further, a means is provided for selecting one of the first and second the processing modules/assemblies to perform the processing operations.

Abstract: A system for alerting an operator of a weighing apparatus is described. The weighing apparatus may be capable of displaying a message in a message area to an operator. The message may be displayed in response to a command sent from a remote device.

Abstract: A method of receiving product pricing errors within a store including multiple food product scales is provided. The method includes (a) providing a store scale communications network. At step (b), a primary food product scale is provided in the store including memory for storing product pricing data. At step (c), a secondary food product scale is provided in the store including memory for storing product pricing data. At step (d), food product pricing data is communicated to the primary food product scale via the communications network and the food product pricing data is stored in memory of the primary food product scale. At step (e), the secondary food product scale identifies a potential internal product pricing data error condition and responsively requests accurate product pricing data from the primary food product scale. At step (f), after step (e), at least some of the product pricing data is sent from the primary food product scale to the secondary food product scale.

Abstract: In order to provide scales, comprising a weighed-product receiving region and a terminal positioned at a vertical spacing from the weighed-product receiving region, that are easy to operate, it is proposed that at least one camera with a field of view towards the weighed-product receiving region is disposed on the terminal.

Abstract: In a method for weighing a number of items, such as letters to be franked, on a transport belt that moves over a weighing plate, the base of which is formed by the transport belt, the transport speed of the belt is slowed within a measurement time range, that starts from the beginning of a weighing event on the weighing plate until a stable weight measurement occurs, and is accelerated outside of this measurement time range, after the occurrence of a stable weight value for a current item on the weighing plate, the next-following item is transported onto the weighing plate by the belt, and the weight of the next-following item is determined by the weight increase due to inflow of the next-following item and the weight decrease due to outflow of the current item.

Abstract: A franking machine has a housing with at least a first housing part which is configured such that a retrofittable weighing unit can be fitted therein. The first housing part defines a recess in the housing. The recess is configured such that the weighing unit can be inserted. Fastening devices are provided at the recess for fastening a second housing part which closes the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of items on a conveyor includes a scale that generates a first signal corresponding to the weight of the items. A movable platform transports the items to the scale and generates a second signal corresponding to position of the items in relation to the scale. A dimensioner examines the items and generates a third signal representative of whether the items are singulated or nonsingulated. A processor receives the second and third signals and determines whether to associate the first signal with information stored in memory about a particular item based upon whether the particular item is singulated or nonsingulated.

Abstract: A method of determining the mass of a mail piece using a load cell. A mail piece whose mass is to be determined is transported across a platform without stopping or slowing the mail piece. A load cell measures the horizontal force applied to the load cell by the transported mail piece. This horizontal force, along with the acceleration of the mail piece, allows a determination of the mass of the mail piece.

Abstract: A method of assigning a weight value to an online news article, and a system for executing the method are provided. A method of assigning a weight value to an online news article, includes the steps of: receiving an article content from an article providing system of an article generator, and storing the received article content in an article collection database; creating an editorial weight value of the article content via an automatic weight assigning system, the automatic weight assigning system comprising a plurality of weight value lists; and storing the editorial weight value and the article content in a news database.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing mail pieces being advanced across a transport path including a weighing module having load cells, an in-feed drive module and a takeaway module. The scale platform is mounted independently of the in-feed drive module and the takeaway module, and the scale platform comprises an uninterrupted mail piece support surface. A control system is provided that acquires a mail piece weight signal when the lead edge of a mail piece reaches a sensor at the exit of the weighing module. Sensors also calculate the velocity of a mail piece as it leaves the weighing module, whereby speed of each mail piece is accelerated to its original speed and position in the mail transport path. Mail weighing throughput rates of up to 10 mail pieces per second are achieved.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an item of luggage having scales with an associated weight outputting means for outputting the weight thereof. The scales having a load-bearing part, which is rigidly joined to the item of luggage and a free slide which can be displaced relative to the item of luggage.

Abstract: A postal type scale, such as an electronic scale, capable of weighing a plurality of different size packages is provided. The scale includes a weighing mechanism in its base, a platform for supporting a package thereon in a weighing relationship, and an extendable input/output unit (e.g., weight display and keypad) removeably attached to the scale and extendable therefrom. The input/output unit includes a weight display, such as an LCD display, and an input device such as a keypad or touchscreen or the like. When attached to the scale, weight display and keypad form a compact unitary design. When extended away from the scale, the display and keypad may be located at a position remote from the scale on any plane.

Abstract: A system and method for fast weighing of items such as mailpieces. The system includes a scale system having a platform connected to a load cell that provides an output signal to an analog-to-digital converter. The resulting digital output signal is processed by a low pass filter and analyzed by a microprocessor to determine weights of items on the platform. The microprocessor also determines postage amounts of items on the platform. The microprocessor also determines postage amounts as functions of the weights and outputs these postage amounts to a postage meter. The microprocessor determines the weights as the median of the peak to valley difference of the digital output signal when the digital output signal peak to valley difference is less than a predetermined value. The microprocessor identifies peaks and valleys of the digital output signal by determining when the derivative of the signal changes sign.

Abstract: A checkout station comprises a deactivation system having an antenna for transmitting a signal to the security feature on a product passing over the checkout station to deactivate the security feature and a scale for weighing the product at the checkout station. A composite weigh plate is supported by the scale and includes a metal face plate configured to support the product thereon for weighing the product and a metal sub-frame configured to support the face plate. The face plate and the sub-frame each define a slit so that they do not form a closed electrically conductive loop. An electrically non-conductive bonding agent fixes the metal face plate to the metal sub-frame to maintain the structural integrity of the composite weigh plate in spite of the presence of the slits in the metal components.

Abstract: A weighing scale which includes a label printer for printing labels having a detachable portion. A label cassette is easily inserted or removed from the weighing scale. The label cassette is changed depending on the type of label to be printed. Standard labels can be printed, or labels having detachable portions along one side can be printed. The detachable portion can have merchandising information printed thereon including coupon information, advertising information, discounts, specials, and product information. The information on the label and detachable portions is easily edited by an operator at a control panel of the weighing scale. A conversational display is provided which allows easy editing and also allows specials, recipes, etc., to be displayed. A molded cover is provided to prevent moisture from entering the weighing scale without interfering with the operation of the weighing scale.

Abstract: An in-line mail weighing system and scale comprises a mail piece transport mounted atop a load cell. The mail piece transport includes a drive assembly and a pressure assembly defining a transport path. Mail pieces are moved through the mail piece transport, on edge. The load cell takes a series of weight measurements for each mail piece in a stream of mail pieces as each mail piece moves through the mail piece transport at a constant high speed, and then accurately calculates the weight of each mail piece.

Abstract: A weighing module comprising a weighing platform incorporating a weighing cell and a motorized drive belt for transporting a mail item from one side to the other of the weighing platform, means for sensing the format of said mail item and processing means for calculating the weight of said mail item within a particular range of weights obtained beforehand from said format.

Abstract: The invention relates to the combination of a balance and a cash register with a customer display device shared by both, customary cash register software being used for this purpose. A multiplexer is used, the one data input of which has weighing data of the balance applied to it and the other input of which has price and/or product data that are output by the data processing unit applied to it, the one data input being activated by a multiplex switching signal when the weighing data have a value other than zero.

Abstract: A scale system, such as a food product scale in a perishables department of a store, includes multiple scale login enabling RF identification units for use by corresponding service personnel, and a scale adapted to identify an acceptable RF identification unit that meets criteria indicative of likelihood of scale use and to perform an automated login operation for the identified RF identification unit.

Abstract: A system tracks items in the checkout area of a self-checkout terminal to reduce the likelihood of fraud in item substitution. The system includes a plurality of weight sensors operatively coupled to a checkout area for sensing a distributed weight of an item placed in a checkout area; and an item locator coupled to the plurality of weight sensors for determining a location for the item from the distributed weight as sensed by the sensors. The item locator identifies a location for an item from the weight differentials sensed at the weight sensors in response to movement of an item within the checkout area. The weight distribution and location data may be correlated to the item identifier for a scanned item so the items in the checkout area may be tracked. A security application program associated with the self-checkout terminal may be coupled to the system of the present invention to identify items placed on the checkout area by location as well as weight.

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: The invention relates to a device to be used for the sale of goods in a store. Said device comprises a unit for generating goods-related signals, a unit for generating identification signals, which represent the type of the goods to be sold, and comprises a display unit for generating a visual representation of information contents that are determined on the basis of the goods-related signals and/or identification signals. For generating a visual representation, the invention provides that the sales device is operated by quantity information that represents the present quantity of the goods of the type indicated by the identification signals.

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: A downloadable postage rate calculating device including a platform for receiving a parcel and providing a weight for the parcel, and a processor configured to receive current rates information downloaded from a computer or other similar device. The processor calculates a postage amount for the parcel based on at least a portion of the current rates information and the weight of the parcel. The processor can also compare the postage amount for a first carrier and shipping method, with that of a second carrier and shipping method, or between two shipping methods offered by the same carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to individually weigh continuously fed mail pieces wherein each mail piece is configured in a vertical orientation and fed through the weighing system in seriatim. The apparatus contains a scale transport assembly for transporting mail pieces seriatim, a mail piece channel pathway assembly for maintaining the vertical orientation of individual mail pieces, a load cell assembly for measuring the mail piece weight, an x-y table assembly for allowing position adjustments of the weighing system, data collection circuitry, and a support module. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with bulk mail processing systems or it can be used independently.

Abstract: A method of determining the mass of an article using a load cell. An article whose mass is to be determined is transported across a platform without stopping or slowing the article. A load cell measures the horizontal force applied to the load cell by the transported article. This horizontal force, along with the acceleration of the article, allows a determination of the mass of the article.

Abstract: A dynamic scale has a conveyor, a weighing pan, a weighing cell, sensors and an electronic control unit that, in addition to controlling the conveyor means (4), implements an evaluation of a number measured weight values that are obtained from the weighing cell and performs a measured value correction on the basis of specific parameters, and supplies a corrected weight value to a postage meter machine via an interface. A method for a control of the conveyor, evaluation of the measured values from the weighing cell, and formulation of a valid output weight value includes an overload check that is made by comparing a measured weight value lying in the middle of the number of measured values to at least one overload limit value, and formation of a decision parameter from the measured values, in a validity check, for comparison to at least one shutoff criterion. If the validity check determines that the measured values from the weighing cell are valid, they are used to form the output weight value.

Abstract: A method for printing indicia on mailpieces at an increased average speed. The system includes: a postal scale for determining a postage amount for a mail piece; a printer; and a postage meter responsive to the postal scale to control the printer to print an indicium representative of the postage amount. The postage meter further includes: a programmable controller; a secure mechanism for accounting for postage amounts expended; and an indicia generator.

Abstract: The invention is a device and means that reduces the amount of overloading and under-loading of plastic grocery bags. A bag rack has a scale attached to its base with the scale connected to an indicator. The plastic bag rests on the scale which weighs the contents of the bag as they are being added. The indicator checks the weight of the contents of the bag. If the contents are under the targeted weight an indicator is lit, when the targeted weigh is reached another indicator is lit, and if a “not to exceed weight” is reached a warning indicator is lit.

Abstract: A scale for weighing an item and determining a price for the item includes a weighing station for receiving the item, the weighing station producing at least one weight indicative signal. A scale controller receives the weight indicative signal and determines the price for the item based upon the weight indicative signal. A remote interface link includes associated communication software. A web server associated with the controller serves user interface web page data to the remote interface link for transfer to a remotely located device. Advanced functions such as a monitoring function and service functions may be enabled by remote connection to the scale via the remote interface link.

Abstract: A method is provided for weighing a series of mail pieces such as letters, flats or a mixture thereof, that are being conveyed through a weighing module. Each mail piece has a length which falls within a range bounded by a maximum length and a minimum length. The mail pieces are conveyed through the weighing module at a substantially constant speed while maintaining a minimum gap between successive mail pieces as the mail pieces pass through the weighing module. The weight of each mail piece is measured during a measurement time when that mail piece is the only mail piece moving on the scale. The scale is sized so that measurement times for mail pieces between the maximum and minimum lengths will vary.

Abstract: A system and method for weighing of items such as mailpieces in the presence of external vibration such as ground noise. The system includes a scale system having a platform connected to a load cell, which provides an output signal to an analog-to-digital converter. The resulting digital output signal is processed by a low pass filter and analyzed by a microprocessor to determine weights of items on the platform. The microprocessor also determines postage amounts as functions of the weights and outputs these postage amounts to a postage meter. The microprocessor determines the weights as the median of the peak to valley difference of the digital output signal when the digital output signal peak to valley difference is less than a predetermined value. The microprocessor identifies peaks and valleys of the digital output signal by determining when the derivative of the signal changes sign.

Abstract: A weighing system and a postage metering system including such a weighing system. The weighing system includes a transport assembly having a transport for receiving and outputting mail pieces to be weighed and for supporting mail pieces while they are weighed, and a feeder for successively feeding the mail pieces to the transport. A transducer supports the transport and generates and output representative of the load presented by pairs of mail pieces on the transport. After a current item and a previous item are weighed together on the transport, the transport is energized to output the previous item and replace the previous item with the current item, and the feeder is energized to input a next item to the transport as a new current item.

Abstract: A scale system, such as a food product scale in a perishables department of a store, includes multiple scale login enabling RF identification units for use by corresponding service personnel, and a scale adapted to identify an acceptable RF identification unit that meets criteria indicative of likelihood of scale use and to perform an automated login operation for the identified RF identification unit.

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: In addition to standard product labels, incentive labels are printed and provided to customers when an item is identified to and weighed by a scale/label printer located in a store by accessing an incentive database to determine the existence and nature of any incentive. One or more display devices may be used in connection with providing incentives, including enabling a customer to select from among a number of incentives displayed. An incentive label construction may be provided with desirable folding features. Certain incentives may be of a graduated/progressive type to invite larger purchases by customers.

Abstract: A method scale system and transducer used in such system for rapid weighing of items. Said scale system includes: a transducer assembly; said transducer assembly in turn including, a transducer having a first member for supporting said item above a reference level, said first member producing a deflection proportional to said weight of said item, a clamping mechanism for clamping said first member to restrict deflection when activated, and a sensor for sensing said deflection and generating a signal representative of said weight as an output signal proportional to said deflection. Said scale system further includes a transport or platform for supporting said item during weighing, said transport being fixed to said first member, and a controller for controlling activation of said clamping mechanism. Said controller controls said clamping mechanism to clamp said transducer as said item is transported into position for weighing so that disturbances of said transducer are reduced and weighing time is decreased.