Abstract: A weight sensor (10) for sensing a load applied to a vehicle seat (14) includes a light source (16) for providing light and detectors (18, 20, 22, 24) for detecting light received from the light source (16). A member (50, 52, 54, 56) impedes the passage of light between the light source (16) and the detectors (18, 20, 22, 24) in response to the load applied to the seat (14). The light detectors (18, 20, 22, 24) provide a signal to a control device (27) indicative of the amount of light received. In response to the light detector signals, the control device (27) determines a value in accordance with the load applied to the seat (14).

Abstract: A pulse count scale includes a change of state detector circuit and an alert circuit which operate together with an electrical interrupter to detect when weight is applied on a scale platform and immediately connect power to a controller for a select interval. These circuits preserve battery power as well as providing simple operation, eliminating the requirement of actuating a separate switch prior to stepping onto the platform.

Abstract: A letter scale is adapted to be connected to a postal charge calculator unit and a printhead of a franking machine. It includes a horizontal plate adapted to receive a letter to be weighed and to move vertically due to the weight of the letter. A coding arm is mechanically coupled to the plate so as to move with it. This arm carries coding elements and fixed sensors face towards the arm to sense these coding elements as they move relative to the sensors due to movement of the arm. A processor unit connected to the sensors produces a measurement signal indicating one of a series of predetermined weight range within which the weight of the letter in question lies. A partly closed, flat, vertical casing houses at least the coding arm and the sensors. There is a vertical slot in an upper surface of the casing into which a letter is inserted to weigh it. The horizontal plate forms the bottom of this vertical slot. The letter scale constitutes a module connected and partly integrated into the franking machine.

Abstract: For measuring the weight of a load of a load-carrier of at least one vehicle, which load-carrier is supported by at least one spring unit on a mobile substructure of the vehicle, weighing apparatus is provided with means for measuring the elastic deformation of the spring unit or units under the load. The measuring means includes a reference object mounted on the load-carrier. To avoid vulnerable equipment on the vehicle and to improve information obtained, the measuring means includes electrical observation means for non-contact observation of the position of the reference object. The electrical observation means being free of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a balance based on the principle of the electromagnetic compensation of force with a cylindrical permanent magnet system, with a magnet cover and with a coil for generating the counteracting force that an emitter and a receiver of the optical position sensor be housed inside the magnet cover. The slit diaphragm of the optical position sensor, which extends from below into the area between emitter and receiver, then forms a compact unit with a carrier, e.g., the end of a translation lever, and with a coil and mutual shifts at temperature changes and temperature gradients occur only to a minimal extent.

Abstract: An optical device and method for strain detection. The device is provided with at least one optical fiber arranged so as to form a network. A light emitting device is arranged at one end of the fiber and a receiver is arranged at the other end, enabling the generation of information relative to the light intensity transmitted by the fiber or fibers in the presence of strain, and a measurement corresponding to the strain.

Abstract: A load cell comprises a block with a recess in an upper rectangular surface thereof. A plate overlies the upper surface and is parallel thereto and spaced therefrom by a spacer interconnecting the block and the plate at one end of the plate so the remainder of the plate can deform on application of a load to an upper surface thereof. The position of application can be adjusted along the length of the plate. Damage to the plate is avoided on application of an excessive load by its engagement with the upper surface of the block. The deformation of the plate is measured by an adjustable screw which projects downwardly from an undersurface thereof into the recess which contains a circuit board carrying an optical switch so that the screw gradually interrupts the transmission of light from a light emitting infrared diode to a photo transistor of the optical switch.

Abstract: An automatic powder dispensing and measuring apparatus which automatically and rapidly and accurately delivers a preselected amount of powder such as gun powder to a scale. The powder dispensing apparatus is preferably in the form of screw threaded barrels rotatably driven by an electric motor which pick up powder from a chamber and dispense it from the end of the barrel to a scale. An electronic circuit controls the rotation speed of the screw threaded barrels in response to sensing means which cause no mechanical resistance to scale motion, positioned to sense the weight being measured by the scale. As the scale approaches the precise preselected amount of powder the electronic circuit responds by slowing the rotational rate of at least one of the screw threaded barrels to slow the feed rate and stop the rotation and flow of powder when the weight the scale reaches the precise preselected amount.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an amount of liquid nitrogen, has a table for supporting a Dewar vessel in which liquid nitrogen used for cooling a semiconductor radio detector is contained. A motion conversion mechanism is engaged with the table for converting the movement of the table in the up and down direction in response to changes in the weight of the liquid nitrogen in the vessel and amplifying and movement. The motion conversion mechanism includes a disk rotated by the amplified motion of the table, and a plurality of sensors adjacent the disk for detecting the rotational position of the disk which is representative of the weight of the liquid nitrogen in the vessel.

Abstract: The microbalance includes a mounting having two vertically aligned elongated flexible metal tension members, the upper and lower ends of the tension members being attached to a fixed support. The attachment of one end of each of the tension members to the fixed support is carried out by a resilient tension means. A pivot crossbeam is fixedly attached to the balance beam, and the ends of the pivot beam are fixedly attached respectively to the tension members at points intermediate to the ends. Deflection of the microbalance beam is accommodated by flexure of the metal tension members.

Abstract: A device for visually setting the spring force of a seat suspension for use in an automotive seat according to the weight of an occupant of the seat includes a display section formed of a light reflecting body and disposed on an inside lining of an automotive door for indicating the proper height of the automotive seat, and a visually confirming function section disposed in the seat for enabling the seat occupant to visually confirm the above-mentioned display section when the height of the seat is set at a predetermined level by adjustment of the spring force of the seat suspension. When the spring force of the seat suspension is properly set and thus the height of the seat is set at a predetermined level, the visually confirming function section enables the occupant while remaining seated to visually confirm the display section located in the door lining at a position where the occupant can easily observe it.

Abstract: A weighing device having an endless track to which balances are connected, the track having a region for loading the balances with objects, and a region for letting the movement of the balances during weighing of the objects dampen out so that the balances reach an end position. A position detector disposed at a fixed location along the track detects the end position of the balance and provides an indication of the end position in digital form so that the weight of the objects can be determined therefrom. The detector can take a number of forms including the combination of an optical contrast and a camera and, in addition, can, for example, utilize reed switches, Hall generators, Weigand effect detectors or magnetostrictive detectors in measuring the end positions of the balances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inexpensive, portable, and accurate method and apparatus for calculating the weight of a vehicle while it is in motion. The apparatus to which the present invention relates is in the field of Weigh-In-Motion devices.In the present invention, an optical fiber is embedded into a matrix such as a rubber pad and a multiplicity of microbending fixtures are distributed along the path of the optic fiber. Then as the wheels of a vehicle pass over the pad the force of the wheels cause the microbending fixtures over which they pass to pinch together and attenuate the light which is transmitted through the optic fiber. The light transmitted through the optic fiber from a light source at one end of the optic fiber is received by a light receiver at the other end of the optic fiber. Then by measuring the amount of light input and the net amount of light output, and calibrating the device, the weight of each axle and the weight of the vehicle above that axle can be measured.

Abstract: An optical transducer that uses a prism for the purpose of determining a load applied thereto which may be used to find the weight of an object. In accordance with known optical principals, when a load is applied to a material such as plastic, glass, crystal and the like, its index of refraction changes. By measuring the change of intensity of light internally reflected from a prism made of such material, the magnitude of a load applied thereto can be determined.

Abstract: A weighing and packaging system operates by combining weight data from a plurality of weighing machines, obtaining a combination of weighing machines giving a total combined weight value equal to a target value or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits, discharging articles from those weighing machines belonging to the combination obtained, and packaging the discharged articles. In performing combinatorial weighing, the articles discharged from the combinatorial weighing machine are temporarily retained in a cylinder, and light-emitting and light-receiving elements are arranged to detect the level of the retained articles, thereby making it possible to detect the volume of the articles charged into a package.

Abstract: An instrument for automatically and accurately determining the "test weight" of grain, utilizes a confined column having a constant cross sectional area with means for sequentially dumping a plurality of batches of grain from the column and weighing the batches as dumped, combined with means for detecting the height of the grain in the column before or after each dump and feeding the information as to the height and weight to a microprocessor to determine the weight per unit volume utilizing linear regression equations. The instrument also includes an infrared spectroscopic detection device for determining moisture, protein, and oil content.

Abstract: An electronic balance includes a pan, a first means for measuring a load normally applied to the pan, a second means for detecting a possible deviation of the load acting point from the required point on the pan, a third means for correcting an error in the measured value due to the deviation, and a fourth means for outputting the corrected value.

Abstract: This apparatus is for use in measuring a weight, or force, and it is particularly useful as a scale. The apparatus includes a single vibrating wire and wire supports that rigidly clamp the two ends of the wire. A weight to be measured is applied to the wire in substantially the direction of its length, and the applied weight changes the tension in the wire. The apparatus includes a wire drive circuit that causes the wire to vibrate at essentially its natural resonant frequency. The frequency varies as a known cubic equation with respect to the applied weight, and a computer, operating in accordance with the equation, converts the measured frequency to a weight signal. The apparatus further includes vibration dampers and isolators for reducing the effects of sympathetic vibrations and of externally induced vibrations, and means to correct for external influences such as disturbing frequencies and ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method is provided for weighing and filling a plurality of containers. The method involves providing a plurality of moving weigh members each comprising a moveable member which is moveable in proportion to the weight of material in a container weighed by the weigh member, and a fixed reference member fixed with respect to the weigh member so as to move therewith. The position of the moveable member of each weigh member is automatically and electrooptically measured relative to the fixed reference member thereof. The weight of the material in the container is determined from the relative position of the moveable member with respect to the fixed reference member. Based on this determined weight, filling of the container, or subsequent filling of similar containers, is terminated, added to or subtracted from.

Abstract: An electronic balance includes a pan, a first means for measuring a load normally applied to the pan, a second means for detecting a possible deviation of the load acting point from the required point on the pan, a third means for correcting an error in the measured value due to the deviation, and a fourth means for outputting the corrected value.

Abstract: An electronic scale for use in a weight control program in which the weighing histories and desired weight goals for each of a number of individuals are stored. A weigh signal is produced when an individual steps onto the platform of the scale, and the weight is displayed on the top of a column upstanding from the base and spoken. Following entry of information identifying the individual into a keyboard also atop the column, a microprocessor assembles two types of messages, at least one informational and at least one psychologically reinforcing, from stored message components in accordance with the identified individual's stored weighing history and stored desired weight goal and the message is spoken. In response to manual operation of other keys, the scale can calculate any individual's ideal weight goal and can review his stored weight history.

Abstract: A food preparing machine has an electric motor for driving food processing implements in order to eliminate the need for a separate weighing unit or for a volume-measuring unit when measuring different ingredients, the machine is provided with a weight-measuring device which is connected by way of an electric circuit in the machine to a display on the casing of the machine, for showing the weight of the ingredients.

Abstract: An electronic weighing apparatus includes a switch mounted on a base surface thereof, actuated by an actuating member biased to support a portion of the base. When weight is applied to the apparatus, the actuating member is moved to a depressed position, thereby automatically energizing the apparatus. In addition, a tab is mounted to the base near the switch. Vertical forces can be applied to the tab to depress the actuating member without disturbing the zero position of the weighing apparatus.Furthermore, the apparatus includes an optical coded disc with a plurality of concentric code tracks. A light guide conducts light to a line on the disc which is parallel to but offset from a radius of the disc. Photosensors are positioned on the other side of the disc, opposed to the light guide.

Abstract: A dynamic weighing system for vehicles in motion which is specially adapted for weighing a plurality of coupled railroad cars of varying length randomly interspersed in a continuous coupled train. The system is adapted to automatically weigh and record each individual car in the train without the necessity of special grade slopes, special decoupling devices, mechanical switches, special positioning measurements, special axle measurements and counting and systems to screen out unwanted noises from irregular car movement. The inventive system in a preferred embodiment will not register locomotives and cabooses. The preferred system utilizes preselected photocell sensor units in an arrangement keyed to the cross section bulk of each car. The shape of the cars interrupts photocell signals at predetermined points on a weigh bridge, thereby actuating means at the precise point when each car is at the optimum weighing position on a scale.

Abstract: An electronic weighing apparatus comprises a slit plate provided to be displaceable in association with the weight of an article being placed on a weighing pan. A photosensitive device is provided in the vicinity of the split plate for generating a train of pulses responsive to the slits in association with the displacement of the slit plate. The slits are provided on the slit plate such that the pulses are obtained from the photosensitive device only if and when the amount of displacement exceeds that corresponding to a predetermined weight value. The slit plate is further provided with a magnetic shield plate at the position before the photosensitive device detects the slits for the first time when the slit plate is displaced by virtue of an article.

Abstract: A portable bathroom scale is described wherein an optical encoder is used to determine the scale displacement in an unambiguous manner. A convenient circuit is used to transform the optical code on an encoder disc to the code needed to activate a decimal display. A mechanism is described for automatically activating the encoder and display when a person steps on the scale and deactivate the mechanism when the person steps off the scale.

Abstract: A digital optical display device incorporated in a scale including a movable measuring member, a code plate with opaque and transparent areas, a stationary light source irradiating the code plate, a seven-segment display adjacent the code plate and having light guide inlets receiving the coded light transmitted through the code pattern on the code plate, a magnetic indexing system associated with the code plate and defining a multiplicity of magnetic indexing locking positions arranged in step by step relation to each other to retain the code plate in any of the multiplicity of discrete positions; a spring coupling between the measuring member and the code plate and yieldable within one magnetic index position of the location at which the measuring member has stopped to locate the code plate at the position of a discrete code pattern.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus and method. A plurality of weigh members are moveable in sequence in a continuous path. Each weigh member receives an item to be weighed and includes a member which is moveable in response to the weight of the carried item. Preferably, the moveable member is elastically deformable. When an item to be weighed is deposited on a weigh member, the moveable member moves in response to the weight and then "springs" back and so on in an oscillating fashion. The weigh members, each carrying an item to be weighed, are rapidly moved in sequence along the continuous path to a weighing location and the time, while short, is sufficient to permit oscillating movement of the moveable member to substantially cease by the time that the weigh member arrives at the weighing location.

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

Abstract: An optical detector for a weight measuring system senses the relative movement between a frame and a load support of a scale assembly. The detector includes a transducer subassembly which carries a plurality of photodetectors positioned at the end of a light path which is modulated by a pair of optical gratings. One of the gratings is fixed relative to the scale frame, and the other is mounted to the load support assembly in alignment with the fixed grating. Placement of a load upon the scale deflects the load support to provide an optical signal including a cyclic pattern of light to dark transitions which is detected by the photodetectors. Optical compensation for nonlinearities in scale load support deflection which are inherent with the scale assembly is provided by generating an optical signal which indicates displacement different from the vertical component of deflection. Such compensation is provided by establishing a predetermined grating angle relative to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A body weight measuring apparatus, comprising a scale mechanism adapted to be displaced in accordance with the body weight of a person on the scale mechanism, means for converting the displacement amount of said scale mechanism into an electrical pulse train the number of which pulses is associated with said displacement amount, a counter for counting the number of pulses of said pulse train to provide a data associated with said body weight by way of a count value, and a display for displaying said body weight in a digital manner, wherein various conditioning data, such as the height, sex, age, nationality and the like of a person being measured is set, a standard body weight is evaluated in accordance with the set conditioning data, said standard body weight and said measured body weight are compared to evaluate the difference body weight, which is displayed by means of said display, an upper limit and/or lower limit for defining a desirable standard range of body weight determinable by said conditioning da

Abstract: An electronic weighing apparatus, comprising a scale mechanism having a weighing plate for placing an article being weighed, a movable slit plate associated with the weight of said article on said weighing plate and having a series of slits equally spaced in the moving direction, a light source provided at one side of said slit plate, a photodetector provided at the other side of said slit plate opposite to said light source, whereby a pulse train is generated from said photodetector. The number of pulses in the pulse train is associated with the movement of the slit plate and thus with the weight of said article. A counter for counting the number of pulses of said pulse train for providing a weight value signal, a display register for storing the weight value signal, and a display responsive to the register for displaying the weight value in said register are employed.

Abstract: An electronic weighing apparatus, comprising: a scale mechanism having a weighing plate for placing an article being weighed, a slit plate provided to be moved associated with the weight of said article on said weighing plate and having a series of slit equally spaced in the moving direction, a light source provided at one side of said slit plate, a photodetector provided at the other side of said slit plate opposite to said light source, whereby a pulse train is generated from said photodetector the number of which pulses is associated with the movement of the slit plate and thus with the weight of said article, a counter for counting the number of pulses of said pulse train for providing the weight value, a display for displaying the weight value in said counter, a zero point detecting circuit for detecting the weighing plate having returned to the zero point, a balanced state detecting circuit for detecting said weighing plate having reached a balanced state, a measurement start switch, a first AND gate re

Abstract: An optical detection system for a weighing scale includes an apparatus for generating a moire fringe. Unlike prior moire-type systems, however, the present scale is constructed with a substantially rigid tare, so that movement of the moire is limited to only a portion of one fringe line. Movement of the tare, and the pan carrying the load, are visually not apparent. Response time is greatly enhanced by the inventive system and accuracy is improved due to minimized hysteresis loss. The invention detects an optical shifting of the fringe line, rather than a counting of a number of fringe lines as with prior highly deflective scale systems.

Abstract: System for providing a digital indication of the load on a scale, utilizing a relative position transducer to produce two output signals which vary between fixed levels in response to incremental displacements of the output indicator of the scale. The two signals are phase encoded in that one of the signals leads the other, depending upon the direction of displacement. The two signals are processed to determine the occurrence and direction of each increment of displacement, and the count in a digital counter is incremented or decremented in response to each increment according to the direction of the displacement.

Abstract: An electronic weighing scale for determining the postage value of weighed articles. The scale features easily accessible electronics for a postal rate table in stored memory. Because the postal rates on packages change with a fair amount of periodicity, the stored memory electronics containing the postal rates require frequent replacement. This replacement is accomplished easily by means of the invention. The stored memory is on an easily removable chip disposed on an IC board. The IC board is secured to a pull-out draw on a side of the scale housing.

Abstract: A weighing machine with a digital display and having a lever and coded disc that rotate about a common axis. The disc is constrained to rotate in the direction of the lever after a preset time delay, the lever rotating a distance related to the weight of an object placed on the machine. Indicia on the disc are counted during the time interval between initiation of disc rotation and the striking of a contact on the disc with a contact on the lever, the number of counts defining the weight of the object.

Abstract: An optical detection system for a spring scale includes an apparatus for generating a moire interference fringe pattern and detecting the pattern movement to measure scale tare deflection and thereby determine the load weight. One of a pair of ruled parallel grating sets is fixed while the other is mounted to the tare structure in alignment with the fixed set. A lamp projects the interference pattern upon a photodetector array. The placement of a load upon the scale deflects the tare structure which results in a linear movement of the projected fringe pattern across the photodetector array and the resultant sequential generation of weight indicative signals. To compensate for variations in the spring constant of selected scale springs, the linear tare deflection required to provide movement of a given number of interference fringes past a reference is adjustable. This adjustment of effective spring constant is achieved by varying the angle of the gratings of the movable grating set.

Abstract: A spring weighing scale includes an optical detector which generates a moire fringe pattern and moves the pattern as an optically amplified function of scale tare deflection. A first of a pair of parallel optical gratings moves with a scale tare structure, while a second reticle grating remains fixed. Passing through both gratings is a light beam which projects a fringe pattern upon a photodetector array. Placement of a load upon the scale results in movement of successive fringes across the photodetectors and the sequential generation of weight indicative signals which are counted to determine load weight. Automatic zero load adjustment is effected by a displacement linkage driven by a stepping motor to provide displacement of the photodetector array along the axis of pattern movement. The motor is controlled by a counter monitor to register the photodetector array with the pattern image no load position such that a null count is produced.

Abstract: A weighing scale includes an optoelectronic system having apparatus for generating a moire fringe pattern and for detecting the moving of the pattern in accordance with scale tare deflection. One of a pair of ruled parallel grating sets is fixed with respect to the scale frame while the other is mounted for movement with the tare and close to and in a plane parallel with the fixed set. When a beam of light is projected through both grating sets in a transmissive mode towards a photodetector array the grating interference modulates the light beam into parallel moire fringes. Upon placement of a load on the scale, deflection of the tare results in movement of successive fringes across the photodetectors resulting in the sequential generation of weight indicative signals. The photodetectors are arrayed on and secured to a movable carrier which is adjustably positionable so that the effective spacings between the photodetectors corresponds to the spacings and proper phase angle required between said fringes.

Abstract: An indicating apparatus for indicating measured values in a digital manner, comprising a graduated plate adapted to be moved in accordance with the weight of an object to be weighed, the graduated plate being provided with numerical characters for indicating the weight in a digital manner and displacement indicating marks for detection of the displacement of the graduated plate, the numerical characters and displacement indicating marks being arranged in the direction of movement of the graduated plate, two light sources opposed to the graduated plate and individually correlated with two adjacent numerical characters, the two light sources being controlled so that either one of them is turned on in response to a signal indicating the displacement of the graduated plate represented by the associated displacement indicating mark thereby to indicate the measured value in a digital manner.

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

Abstract: Weighing apparatus for grading articles such as eggs and the like according to their weight. The apparatus comprises a tray, and a pair of leaf springs for mounting the tray for up and down movement and operatively connected to the tray and a support member, and being deflectable generally downwardly relative to the support member a first distance responsive to article weight. A stop is provided for allowing downward deflection of the tray relative to the support only to a second distance, which is normally less than the first distance. An out-of-round cam or the like changes the relative position of the stop and the support member so that the second distance approaches the first distance, and electrical contacts, photoelectric apparatus, or the like, are provided to sense when the second distance is substantially equal to the first distance.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a null monitoring system for a digital incremental scale of the type including a weighing platform and a reticle assembly which provides first and second sinusoidal outputs 90.degree. out of phase for deriving counting pulses indicative of the weight of the load and the weighing platform position accurate to a single digital increment of the scale and the direction of movement of the weighing platform. The null monitoring system provides an analog indication of the actual position of the weighing platform within the digital increments for zero reference and calibration purposes.The null monitoring system includes combining means for combining the first and second sinusoidal outputs for providing first, second, third and fourth combined sinusoidal outputs, each having a 90.degree.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding a product to a weighing scale and stopping the feed when the amount of product fed reaches a final weight. A scale having a balance portion to receive product to be weighed is movable from an initial position toward a balance position as product is delivered thereto. The balance portion of the scale starts to move upon delivery thereto of a predetermined initial weight of product. First and second product feeds are activated at the start of a weighing operation for delivering a quantity of product from a source thereof to the balance portion of the scale. The first feed delivers product at a first rate of speed and the second feed delivers product at a second and slower rate of speed. A sensor detects movement of the balance portion of the scale in either of two directions and provides first and second electrical outputs representative of the magnitude and direction of the movement thereof, each output always having one of two discrete states.

Abstract: The subject apparatus includes an egg receiver, an egg weighing device having an egg carrier, a conveyor belt for transporting a weighed egg, an ejector for ejecting weighed eggs from the conveyor and a collector of the weighed eggs. The improvement has an electronic weighing device having a vertically moveable lifting frame with a receiver cooperating with the egg-carrier. The lifting frame includes an interconnected lifting arm synchronously moveable with a conveyor horizontally moveable to and fro and a linking element along the collector having a vacuum control suction cup controlled by a pair of bellows cooperating synchronously with the egg carrier to receive an egg.

Abstract: An optical shaft encoder is mounted on a mechanical scale with direct coupling between the encoder and the scale pointer. The shaft encoder generates an up or down pulse train, depending on the direction of rotation of the scale shaft. The pulse train is shaped and decoded to determine the direction of rotation. The pulses are then multiplied and/or divided as necessary to provide range scaling for a given scale capacity. The range scaled pulse train then drives a binary tally counter and a BCD counter. The BCD counter output is utilized to produce a selected number of extra pulses which are added or subtracted from the tally counter. The BCD counter corrects for a scale shaft rotation of less than 360.degree. between zero and a full scale reading. The output from the tally counters are provided to a set of seven-segment decimal counters. These counters produce outputs used to drive digital displays.

Abstract: A high speed weighing scale for use in a continuous mail sorting and postage imprinting system which automatically weighs and meters each piece of mail. The system is designed to rapidly handle a large quantity of mixed mail. Mixed mail is continuously and synchronously fed in seriatim along a continuous feed path. Unsealed envelopes have their flaps wetted and sealed. All the envelopes are stopped at a weighing station where they are weighed, and the postage corresponding to their particular weight is computed. The determined postage value is used to continuously reset a postage meter which imprints the required postage upon each envelope as it arrives at a metering station. The metering and weighing functions of the system are synchronized such that the postage meter will imprint the proper postage upon each piece of mail, despite the fact that several envelopes may be simultaneously in transit along the feed path.

Abstract: A slicing system for automatically controlling the weight of individually sized portions of a sliced food product includes an automatic electric slicer and a scale operably associated therewith for weighing slices of a food product cut by the slicer. A photoelectric element disposed adjacent the path of the movable pointer on the scale detects the proximity of such pointer at a preselected location corresponding to a preselected weight of food product being received upon the receiving platform of the scale and opens the circuit to the slicer to stop the same. Adjusting means are provided to establish the relative position of the photoelectric element and the scale pointer for causing the circuit to break at such selected position.