With Recording Of A Factor Additional To Weight Patents (Class 177/4)
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Patent number: 10053254Abstract: A method for labelling packages comprising a feed unit for transporting a package, a printing device for printing a label detachably affixed to a carrier strip and an application unit for applying the printed label to the underside of the package. The printing device is arranged laterally outside the feed unit which comprises a label dispensing unit for dispensing the printed label with a directional component in a direction contrary to the package transport direction. The application unit comprises a manipulator means for the label, which moves along an axis extending transversely to the transport direction. The label, detached from the carrier strip, can be transferred onto the feed unit laterally outside the same in a first axial position of the manipulator means and can be brought close to the package, and can be applied onto the underside of the package in a second axial position of the manipulator means.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Espera-Werke GmbHInventor: Peter Wolff
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Patent number: 8475367Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.Inventors: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, James Park, Eric Nathan Friedman
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Patent number: 8468059Abstract: A storage cabinet for at least one of refrigerated and frozen goods for sale through that the cabinet door opens via entering of a door opening code in a payment terminal with scanning equipment for reading of codes which identify said goods. The goods which are purchased by lifting them out of the cabinet are scanned with the scanning equipment and are debited to a purchasing account associated with the door opening code. The cabinet is locked when the cabinet door closes. Further the cabinet rests on a weighing device. If a predetermined difference between the scanned goods' weight and the cabinet's weight occurs, the weight difference is registered in a transaction data file associated with the door opening code, wherein loss of goods is registered on a known purchasing account.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: Anders Enqvist
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Publication number: 20130133958Abstract: An apparatus, method and system is provided for generating an optical code where a portion of the information stored in the optical code is encrypted prior to being stored in the optical code. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a portion of the information stored in the optical code is encrypted to prevent the fraudulent creation of an optical code or use of the optical code on an item it was not created for or indented to be used with.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: NCR CORPORATIONInventor: JOHN CROOKS
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Publication number: 20130056286Abstract: A self checkout terminal comprises a measurement section configured to measure the weight of a commodity, a shooting section configured to shoot an image, a recognition unit configured to recognize the commodity from the shot image, an extraction unit configured to extract the commodity information satisfying the recognized commodity from a commodity master file storing the commodity information including the weight of the commodity, wherein the commodity information is information satisfying the commodity, a selection unit configured to select the commodity information including a weight approximately the same as the measured weight from the extracted commodity information and a registration unit configured to carry out sales registration on the commodity satisfied by the selected commodity information.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masato Watabe, Hidehiro Naito, Hiroyuki Ueda, Shinji Nakatake, Masahide Ogawa
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Publication number: 20120073882Abstract: A warehouse management system for automatically weighing and counting parts includes a management computer and a weighing device. The management computer communicates with the weighing device. The weighing device includes a base, a tray for carrying a parts bin, and a weighing module. A track is mounted to the base. A roller is mounted on the bottom of the tray and rides on the corresponding track. The tray can move over the track by the roller. The weighing module is attached to one end of the track. The tray together with the parts bin can be actuated to move to the weighing module so as to weigh and count the parts within the parts bin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventor: CHARLES LIANG
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Patent number: 7979116Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.Inventors: Feilang Tseng, Tetsuya Sato
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Publication number: 20110147094Abstract: Weighing scales include at least one load cell, a weighing base configured to act on the at least one load cell and having a platform for a person, and a pillar having a pillar head disposed on the pillar, wherein a display device including an operating unit and a power source is disposed in the pillar head. The scales also have a measuring device for body-specific information and having at least one electrode, wherein the at least one electrode is disposed in at least one of the pillar head and a connecting piece between the pillar head and at least one of the weighing base, an associated frame and an associated base plate. A processor is included that is configured to process at least one signal measured from the at least one electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventor: Stephan Gerster
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Patent number: 7875813Abstract: Food service workers prepare a number of items throughout the day at a food counter, so the workers may need to track process steps for entirely different processes that are running concurrently. For example, the worker may need to remove a pizza from an oven one moment, and remove breadstick dough from a refrigerator one minute later. A programmable weighing scale guides users through process steps of a process, and tracks completion time of process steps for multiple processes, and alerts a food service worker when a next step in one of multiple, concurrently running processes needs to be completed. Because data stored for each process can be selected throughout, for example, an entire working day, the controller of the weighing scale can track timing requirements for each step of each process. The weighing apparatus is independent of other apparatuses used in completing the process steps (e.g., refrigerators, ovens, mixers, etc.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Hackathorne, Kevin A. Russo, J. Thomas King
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Patent number: 7762714Abstract: A system and method are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives or supplements to feed rations. The amount of each particular micro-ingredient to be delivered to a feed ration may be determined by a bulk density measurement. Alternatively, bulk density measurement may be used in combination with existing weight measurement and volumetric metering methods for multiple micro-ingredients. Delivery by bulk density requires determination of a bulk density value along with use of a dispensing device that dispenses a calculated amount of the micro-ingredient ration. The dispensing calculation may be achieved by analysis of delivery time, pulse count, or some other quantitative measure such as magnitude. Use of bulk density as a measurement technique eliminates the requirement for use of scales in the micro-ingredient delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Steve R. Freeman, Charles H. Hoff
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Publication number: 20080046215Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2006Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: Force FlowInventors: Mark B. Nelson, Dannie Ray Barger
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Patent number: 7214891Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1996Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.Inventors: Richard C. W. Hewitt, Michael J. Rawlings, Joseph Sielski
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Patent number: 7026556Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.Inventor: Robert J. Schuller
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Patent number: 6808200Abstract: A method for occupant classification in a vehicle is used to extract a plurality of features from a seat profile and to assign a weight estimate to each of these features. The occupant weight and a measure of quality are determined from the different weight estimates. The measure of quality determines whether the occupant weight continues to be used as the occupant classification. The weight estimation for the feature in question is carried out via a stored function. The occupant classification can be used for a restraint system. The ischial tuberosity distance and/or the seat profile size can be used as the features.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Drobny, RĂ¼diger Giesel, Rene Wolf, Hermann Maier, Reiner Marchthaler, Ralf Henne, Thomas Lich
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Patent number: 6630632Abstract: In a dynamic scale, and a method for controlling a dynamic scale, an item to be weighed is transported by a transport device to a weighing cell. The transport device is operable in a number of different operating modes. At the weighing cell, a measured weight value is obtained, and this measured weight value is subsequently interpreted and, based on the interpretation of the measured weight value, the transport device is switched to a different operating mode, which may include reversing the direction of the transport device so as to permit the item to be re-weighed and subsequently discharged from the scale.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co. KGInventors: Uwe Huebler, Ralf Kubatzki, Wolfgang Thiel
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Patent number: 6621013Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a living body measuring device which, once the personal information having been set therein, executes an arithmetic operation simply by making a measurement without requiring a user to remember his/her personal memory number. The living body measuring device of the present invention stores the measured body weight value and/or bioelectrical impedance value as well as the personal body information set in the initial stage, compares the measured values with those stored values, and determines a current subject who is being measured by considering the most proximal values to be the data associated with the measured subject, thereby calculating a body-related index automatically. Especially, if both of the bioelectrical impedance and the body weight are used, then the determination may be more accurate.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Tanita CorporationInventors: Daisuke Tanida, Fumiko Nakagawa, Masayuki Kenmochi, Yuki Sato
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Publication number: 20030037965Abstract: A food product scale system within a store displays frequent shopper pricing information, such as a frequent shopper total price and a frequent shopper savings amount over a normal total price, during weighing of food products having associated frequent shopper pricing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventor: Thomas John Bennard
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Patent number: 6161758Abstract: A modular bar code scanner and scale assembly which does not use wire cables to connect a bar code scanner to a scale. The assembly includes a bar code scanner including a first printed circuit board having a connector, and a scale including a second printed circuit board having a connector which directly couples to the connector of the first printed circuit board when the scanner is coupled to the scale.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1995Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Donald A. Collins, Jr., Rex A. Aleshire, Douglas A. Baehl, Stephen J. Ames
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Patent number: 6018128Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus for performing a combination weighing of a plurality of articles to be weighed includes a plurality of containers Tb each bearing an information storage medium 1 on or from which product information including a weight value of the article to be weighed M2 is recorded or read-out, respectively, a write-in device 15 for writing the product information in the information storage medium 1, a read-out device 16 for reading the product information from the information storage medium 1, and a calculating device 4 for combining respective weight values of the articles to be weighed M2 which have been read out and for selecting a combination having a weight equal or approximating to a target value within a predetermined weight allowance. This combination weighing apparatus is effective to accomplish an easy and accurate combination calculation even though the order of transport of the articles to be weighed M2 changes.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiharu Asai
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Patent number: 5914463Abstract: A dimensional weighing apparatus is disclosed which has a weighing scale for determining the actual weight of a carton placed thereon, and associated therewith is a measuring frame and an optical sensing system for measuring the linear distance of the three axes of carton positioned on the scale necessary to determine the volume of the carton. A computer processing means determines firstly whether the actual volume of the carton is less or greater than a predetermined threshold volume, and if greater, calculates a dimensional weight of the carton and compares the dimensional weight of the carton with the actual weight to determine which weight is the larger, and sends a signal indicative of the larger weight to a shipping system which determines an appropriate shipping charge for the carton based on the weight determined by the dimensional weighing apparatus to be the larger of the two weights.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Daniel F. Dlugos
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Patent number: 5884238Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving accurate positioning of freight in a freight receptacle, without requiring skill on the part of the material handling equipment operator. The method and apparatus uses specially marked forms, a Freight Placement Index, and can be used in conjunction with a computer software program, computer, and a scale/scanner. The computer program identifies the correct load position, with respect to the Freight Placement Index inside the freight container after the load description has been entered into the computer. The scanner/scale enter the height, width, length, and weight of load materials. One method is for the load planner or material handling equipment, operator to input information about freight i.e. by use of a computer program and the scale/scanner unit. This program instructs the operator to position the load respective to the Freight Placement Index inside of the freight container or receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Inventors: Virginia Noll, Charles Noll
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Patent number: 5831220Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: U-Ship, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Ramsden, Kenneth Wayne Liles
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Patent number: 5637838Abstract: An apparatus for measuring, weighing and counting fish comprising a main body portion having long parallel side edges and short parallel upper and lower edges in a rectangular configuration, the main body portion having a front face and a back face and a slot for the receipt of a slidable member therein, the main body portion also having a recess centrally formed in the upper face thereof in a generally inverted V-shaped configuration with a ledge, the apex of the V being adapted to receive the head of a fish to be measured; a generally rectangular slide member positionable within the slot of the main body portion, the slide member being in a generally L-shaped configuration with a long portion slidably positioned within the slot of the main body portion and with a short portion at right angles with respect thereto adjacent the lower edge of the main body portion adapted to receive the tail of the fish to be measured, the slide member having indicia as to a fish length formed adjacent to the front face thereoType: GrantFiled: August 3, 1994Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Inventors: Clyde D. Arey, Rodney D. Arey, William B. Tannehill
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Patent number: 5635906Abstract: A security apparatus for a retail store in which each item for sale has a security tag attached thereto. A computerized database stores the approximate weight of each item for sale. During a purchase transaction, a predicted total weight of the items purchased is calculated and the items are placed in a bag or bags. A security station positioned near the exit of the store includes a scale for determining the actual total weight of a bag or bags containing the items purchased; a computer controller for comparing the actual total weight of the bag or bags with the predicted total weight and for generating a notification signal when the actual total weight is not within a predetermined range of the predicted total weight; and a deactivation pad for deactivating the security tags during weighing of the bag or bags. A security tag detection apparatus is positioned between the security station and the exit.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1996Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Inventor: Joseph Joseph
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Patent number: 5423455Abstract: An improved system and method for gravimetrically feeding material at a controlled rate. The material to be fed, which can be either a dry solid or a liquid, is maintained in a supply vessel. A probe disposed in the supply vessel detects the level of the material, sending a high level signal to a controller. A scale weighs the material in the supply vessel, sending a weight signal to the controller. The controller then calculates the density of the material in the supply vessel based on the weight and density of the material. The calculated density is used to affect the feed rate to achieve an operator-input set rate. During refill of the supply vessel, the probe detects material at a high level, sending a signal to the controller which, in turn, sends a signal to a refill valve, stopping refill.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1993Date of Patent: June 13, 1995Assignee: Acrison, Inc.Inventors: Ronald J. Ricciardi, John S. Laidlaw
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Patent number: 5121328Abstract: In a fee calculating apparatus for calculating a delivery fee, when weight data obtained by measurement in a weight measuring section such as an electronic scale, length data obtained by measurement in a length measuring section such as an automatic measure, and area data input by area data input means are all supplied to the calculating means, a delivery fee is calculated from the data by the calculating means in accordance with fee tables such as a parcel rank conversion table and a fee conversion table.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1990Date of Patent: June 9, 1992Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tohru Sakai, Hanzou Tsuzuki, Tutomu Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 5111897Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for calculating the speed and weight of a vehicle as it passes over an existing bridge. The apparatus includes a number of strain gages attachable to existing bridge girders or support members each of which outputs an analog strain signal in response to strain sustained by the bridge when a vehicle passes thereover. An analog front end circuit card amplifies the analog strain signal and converts it into digital format. A pair of axle sensors installed in or on the pavement before the bridge each output an axle sense signal in response to a vehicle axle passing thereover. A central processing unit receives the axle sense signals and the digitally formatted strain signals and performs calculations necessary to determine vehicle speed and weight. A static random access memory card is used to retain the results of these calculations for retrieval at a later time. A power supply provides electrical power to the system components.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1990Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Bridge Weighing Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard E. Snyder, Fred Moses, Bryan E. Burke, Dean A. Kennedy
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Patent number: 5092988Abstract: An apparatus for testing water quality for subsurface injection that provides for samples of infinite volume to be passed over a membrane filter at a constant pressure. The apparatus uses a positive displacement pump drawing suction on the water source and discharging to a membrane filter. Between the pump discharge and the filter is an oil/water separation vessel to allow for sampling of well production fluids before oil removal if necessary. Fitted to the oil separation vessel is an adjustable pressure regulator, also known as a back pressure regulator, for maintaining constant pressure over the filter. The filter discharge water is collected in a volume calibrated vessel. The vessel is connected to load cells, and a data collection device records weight as a function of time. By measuring the water density, a time/volume curve can be automatically plotted by the data collection device.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1990Date of Patent: March 3, 1992Assignee: Chevron Research CompanyInventors: Irving F. Womack, II, Mitchell F. Peterson
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Patent number: 5082072Abstract: A mailing machine comprised of a plurality of modules, each of the modules a particular process function on a delivered envelope. The modules are arranged with in a single process station. The comprising modules include a scale module having means for weighing a envelope, a transport module having means for positioning the envelope in the process station and ejecting the envelope from the process station, a meter module having printing means for imprinting an indicia on the envelope, a platen module having means for causing the envelope to contact the printing means of the meter module, and a inking module having means for causing printing ink to be deposited on the printing means of the meter module. The modules operate in a manner functionally independent of any other module and in a manner. A tape module is included having means for positioning a tape for indicia printing between the meter module.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1990Date of Patent: January 21, 1992Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Donald T. Dolan, Robert T. Durst, Jr., David W. Hubbard, Morton Silverberg
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Patent number: 5072400Abstract: A system for monitoring the integrity of mail pieces passing through multiple stages of a mail delivery system. A database is created when the mail piece enters the system that includes its initial weight and destination address. The mail piece is tracked through each of the delivery stages, where its weight and destination address are determined and compared with the initial values. Any discrepancy causes an alarm in the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1989Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Flavio M. Manduley
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Patent number: 5060741Abstract: A platen module is fixably mounted to the base of a modular mailing machine. A support wall is fixably mounted to the base. Also fixably mounted to the base of the mailing machine is a drive motor having an output shaft and plurality of gears fixably mounted to the respective ends of the output shaft. A guide rod is slidably mounted vertically to the support wall and a platen plate fixably mounted to the guide rod. A plurality of rack post are fixably mounted at one end to the platen plate and in constant mesh with a respective one of the gears.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1989Date of Patent: October 29, 1991Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Jovito Abellana, Donald T. Dolan
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Patent number: 5014797Abstract: A mailing machine comprised of a plurality of modules, each of the modules a particular process function on a delivered envelope. The modules are arranged with in a single process station. The comprising modules include a scale module having means for weighing a envelope, a transport module having means for positioning the envelope in the process station and ejecting the envelope from the process station, a meter module having printing means for imprinting an indicia on the envelope, a platen module having means for causing the envelope to contact the printing means of the meter module, and a inking module having means for causing printing ink to be deposited on the printing means of the meter module. The modules operate in a manner functionally independent of any other module and in a manner. A tape module is included having means for positioning a tape for indicia printing between the meter module.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1989Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Donald T. Dolan, Robert T. Durst, Jr., David W. Hubbard, Morton Silverberg
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Patent number: 5009137Abstract: A cutter module for a mailing machine having a support wall and base includes a cutter support member slideably mounted to one of the mailing machine support walls such that the cutter support member can be slideably displaced longitudinally traversed to a tape portion. The mailing machine includes tape eject mechanism for ejecting indicia printed tape portions. A rotary cutter blade is rotatively mounted to the cutter support member. A drive mechanism reciprocally displaces the cutter support member traverse to the tape portion. A cutter beam is provided coactive with the rotary cutter blade.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1990Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Hugh S. Dannatt
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Patent number: 5008518Abstract: A data gathering system for use in a checkout counter to determine information relating to products to be purchased and to provide such information to a cash register system includes a scale supported within the checkout counter for determining weights of products presented to the data gathering system. The scale includes a subplatter located below the upper surface of the checkout counter. An optical scanning arrangement is supported on the subplatter for reading coded labels on the products. A common interface circuit is responsive to both the scale and the optical scanning arrangement, for providing weight data and coded label data to the cash register system.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1989Date of Patent: April 16, 1991Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Andrew P. Taussig, Blake L. Isaacs
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Patent number: 5001648Abstract: Mail handling or processing systems are disclosed wherein the entire lot or batch of mail pieces is loaded into a bin for processing. Each mail piece is individually removed by an operator while the computer monitors the weight of the bin and simultaneously produces serial numbers for affixing to each mail piece. In an alternative embodiment a postage meter provides postage imprinting and labelling for each mail piece removed. By monitoring the tare weight difference of the bin prior to and after removal of each mail piece, the mail piece weight is determined from the difference between the two tare weights. The weight of each mail piece is required in order to determine postage cost or mail charges for each mail piece.After all pieces of mail are removed from the bin, an operator can optionally key the system to produce a postal service form complying with manifest mailing requirements.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1990Date of Patent: March 19, 1991Assignee: M.A.I.L. Code, Inc.Inventor: Christopher A. Baker
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Patent number: 4956782Abstract: A mailing system for metering batches of mixed weight mail. The system includes a demand feed for singulating mailpieces, a weighing module for weighing the singulated mailpieces and determining the appropriate postage amount and a postage meter responsive to the weighing module for metering such singulated mailpieces with the appropriate postage amount. A transport system sequentially transports singulated mailpieces from the feeder to the weighing module when the postage meter is set then stops during the weighing period. The postage meter is set for the next sequential mailpiece only after weighing and metering are both completed. In another embodiment a mechanical buffer is provided between the weighing module and the meter to allow overlapping of weighing time with meter setting time.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1986Date of Patent: September 11, 1990Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Gerald C. Freeman, Seymour Feinland
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Patent number: 4936693Abstract: A label printing device is disclosed, which comprises a keyboard having a plurality of numeral keys for inputting an article code, a data generator for generating data necessary for the formation of bar code data according to the article code, a printer and a control unit for forming bar code data having an arrangement predetermined by a bar code format read out from the memory according to data from said data generator and causing the printer to print the bar code data on label. In the memory are stored different bar code formats corresponding to a plurality of operation modes including registration and training. The control unit reads out, according to the input article code and the operation mode selected by the operation mode selection unit, a corresponding bar code format from the memory.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1989Date of Patent: June 26, 1990Assignee: Tokyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Ohsawa
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Patent number: 4928229Abstract: The label printer comprises at least two printing units and a control unit. Each printing unit can print a specific label under the control of the control unit. The label is printed with information concerning a commodity, such as a price and a weight of the commodity. One or two printed labels are attached at predetermined positions on the commodity. Further, the two printing units can be moved so that each printing unit can attach each printed label on the commodity.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1988Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Assignee: Teraoka Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuharu Teraoka, Mitsuo Satake, Toshio Denda, Takashi Katayama, Shiro Seyasu
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Patent number: 4923024Abstract: Comprises a device (1) for measuring the stature of persons and an electronic scales (2) controlled by one and the same microprocessor (13).The device (1) for measuring the stature of persons comprises an emitter/receiver device (3), a height display device (4), a luminous device (5) for indicating the end of the stature measuring operation, an acoustic indicator device (6), a plurality of switches: coin detector switch (7), coin selector switch (8), and fast-reading/slow-reading commuter (9). The amplifier of the emitter/receiver device is of variable gain to linearize the signal.The electronic scales comprises a load cell (10), an analogic/digital converter device (11), a weight display device (12) and a device (19) for storage of the zero and bottom of scale values.Comprises a printer (20), with its controller, providing the ideal weight corresponding to each stature.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1989Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Inventors: Jose M. S. Ferrer, Jose N. Pajares, Manuel T. Torres
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Patent number: 4923022Abstract: An automatic mailing apparatus comprises a transfer device, a weighing device, a stamping device, a detecting device and a collecting device. The automatic mailing apparatus is an automatic machine in the shape of a case. The case has a front panel for mailing operations and a letter insertion and retrieval slot formed in the front panel. A letter to be mailed may be inserted into the case through the letter insertion and retrieval slot and automatically transferred for weighing, stamping and sorting.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1989Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: Chien-Hua ChangInventor: Tzu-Yen Hsieh
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Patent number: 4923023Abstract: A mailing machine comprised of a plurality of modules, each of the modules a particular process function on a delivered envelope. The modules are arranged within a single process station. The comprising modules include a scale module having means for weighing a envelope, a transport module having means for positioning the envelope in the process station and ejecting the envelope from the process station, a meter module having printing means for imprinting an indicia on the envelope, a platen module having means for causing the envelope to contact the printing means of the meter module, and an inking module having means for causing printing ink to be deposited on the printing means of the meter module. The modules operate in a manner functionally independent of any other module and in a manner. A tape module is included having means for positioning a tape for indicia printing between the meter module.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1989Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Donald T. Dolan, Robert T. Durst, Jr., David W. Hubbard, Morton Silverberg
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Patent number: 4901237Abstract: An electronic scale system having a plurality of electronic scales each having a device for entering and storing merchandise data with respect to many articles of merchandise. The stored merchandise data are automatically transmitted successively to the electronic scales in which the data are registered. The electronic scale system also includes a first memory for totalling and storing data such as prices obtained from the electronic scales according to codes, and a large-capacity memory for totalling and storing totals stored by the first memory for each prescribed period of time, so that the data can automatically be totalled. The electronic scale system further includes a computer for preparing merchandise data to be loaded in the electronic scales, and a transfer device for transferring the merchandise data prepared by the computer to the electronic scales either on-line or off-line.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1988Date of Patent: February 13, 1990Assignee: Ishida Scales Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michiyasu Hikita, Hatsuo Kawaguchi
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Patent number: 4886132Abstract: A cutter module for a mailing machine having a support wall and base includes a cutter support member slideably mounted to one of the mailing machine support walls such that the cutter support member can be slideably displaced longitudinally traversed to a tape portion. The mailing machine includes tape eject mechanism for ejecting indicia printed tape portions. A rotary cutter blade is rotatively mounted to the cutter support member. A drive mechanism reciprocally displaces the cutter support member traverse to the tape portion. A cutter beam is provided coactive with the rotary cutter blade.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1989Date of Patent: December 12, 1989Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Hugh S. Dannatt
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Patent number: 4865139Abstract: The inking module includes a plurality of first links extending horizontally and parallel. One end of the first links are fixably mounted to an ink pad tray, the other end of the first links having formed thereat a tilting surface. A drive means causes the first links to displace the ink pad tray to and from the first and second position. A guide means guides the first links horizontally along a linear path and including abutting means for causing the first links to tilt vertically when the tilting surface contacts the abutting means to place the ink pad tray in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1988Date of Patent: September 12, 1989Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Jack A. Cohen, Gordon G. E. Stricker, Morton Silverberg
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Patent number: 4832513Abstract: A label printing system includes an input device, a memory, a CRT display device, a printing mechanism, registration means and label printing means. The input device has manual data input means, for entering label creation data, and edits the data to provide an entry of label creation information. The memory stores the input data and the label creation information after by editing, and the information is displayed on the screen of the CRT and printed by the printing mechanism. The registration means is adapted to register the label creation data and information in the memory. The label printing means causes the information to be displayed on the screen of the CRT and causes the printing mechanism to print out the information on a label.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1987Date of Patent: May 23, 1989Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ishida Koki SeisakushoInventor: Minoru Ikekita
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Patent number: 4732160Abstract: A method of urine flow measurement where liquid in the form of a free-fall jet is collected in a collecting vessel and the vertical force produced by the collecting vessel on a measuring device, for example a scale or the like, is sensed, and the change in time of said force is utilized for obtaining a measure of the flow corresponding to the jet. The method is especially characterized in that the effect of the impulse of the jet on the sensed force is eliminated by deflecting the vertical flow constituted by the jet to a substantially horizontal flow by a rotating device before the liquid is caused to contact the vessel. The invention also relates to a flow meter.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1984Date of Patent: March 22, 1988Inventors: Per Ask, Anders Engberg, Anders Spangberg, Ake berg
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Patent number: 4724292Abstract: A microwave oven is disclosed including a turntable inside a cooking chamber, the turntable being provided with a weight detection device, a weight measuring device on a digital display for displaying a result of the food weight measurement produced by the weight measuring device. The word "approximately" or another appropriate term is also displayed together with a measured net weight value.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1986Date of Patent: February 9, 1988Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Noboru Ichikawa
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Patent number: 4693329Abstract: An electronic scale for weighing an article and displaying and/or printing the weight, price and other data of the article. The scale includes a key input unit for registering and recalling article data. The key input unit has preset keys indicating article names, alphabetical letters, and other indicia. The keys are operated to register and recalling article names and other data which are used frequently.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1984Date of Patent: September 15, 1987Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ishida Koki SeisakushoInventor: Michiyasu Hikita
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Patent number: 4655304Abstract: In counting in-line system of the invention, a center machine and a plurality of scales are in-line connected, centralized control of transaction data per each weighed or non-weighed article registered in the scale is performed by the center machine, and according to receipt issuing request from side of the scale, print data is supplied from the center machine to the scale so as to issue the receipt, thereby fine control of the transaction data and arbitrary receipt issuing at side of the scale can be effected and the counting in-line system becomes suited to each shop and easy for the use. The transaction data is controlled using two independent numbers, the customer number and the clerk number, thereby the processing can be performed corresponding to the floating system and the clerk fixed system.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1985Date of Patent: April 7, 1987Assignee: Tokyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Noriyasu Tajima
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Patent number: 4630067Abstract: A bar code printer is disclosed which may be used as a standard desk type bar code printer, a weighing bar code printer, etc. by connecting outer peripheral equipment, such as weighing instruments or price indicating balances, to the bar code printer. A change-over circuit can select an input signal from either the input unit of the bar code printer or from the outer peripheral equipment, the input signal energizing a control circuit which develops control signals to drive a bar code printing system and an indicating system. The printer has differing types of bar code systems stored therein and by entering a flag code, a specific bar code system may be selected. Also, the differing types of bar code systems may be accommodated since the bar code is divided into a fixed part (for common use in all systems) and a variable part (differing numerals between bar code systems).Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1983Date of Patent: December 16, 1986Assignee: Teraoka Seikosho Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuharu Teraoka