Abstract:
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.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention is directed to a method and arrangement for the control of a dynamic scale system, referred to below as a dynamic scale, for weighing items during the transport thereof to a processing station, such as in a mail processing system.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0004]    “Mixed mail” means an unsorted stack of postal items that, with respect to a side to be printed. The item letters is used below as representative of all other possible pieces of mail that differ in format, thickness and weight. Methods and arrangements are suited for users of mail processing systems both with a dynamic scale and postage-calculating postage meter machine as well as with dynamic postage-calculating scales and franking devices.  
           [0005]    In a known, automatic mail processor Francopost 12000 marketed by Francotyp-Postalia AG &amp; Co., a dynamic weighing station is arranged following a separating station. The letters applied as a stack are first automatically separated and are then accepted by the dynamic weighing station, and their weight is determined. The weight determination ensues with a precision that enables the allocation of the letters to the correct postage class. The postage is automatically transmitted to the connected franking unit, and is debited and printed onto the letter. When the letter arrives on the weighing pan and during the transport thereof, mechanical oscillations, having an amplitude dependent on the letter weight, the transport direction and speed, the distribution of the letter mass as well as the letter stiffness, are transmitted onto the weight sensor. The unwanted oscillations limit the precision of the measured result. Generally, a measuring precision of ±1 g is indicated in dynamic letter scales up to a letter weight of 1000 g. Given transport of heavy pieces of mail having a weight above 1000 g, the transience of the dynamic scale requires more waiting time as a consequence of the vibratory influences on the weighing system. All letters that are even heavier are usually separately weighed with a suitable static scale. The corresponding weight or postage then can be manually entered into the franking unit. The automatic execution is thus interrupted. Especially disadvantageous is the fact that the mail handler cannot predict whether a specific letter that is introduced in the a stack in common with the others will exceed this weight limit.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,018 discloses a dynamic letter scale wherein the weighing cell is resiliently suspended with respect to the transport mechanism. The transmission of oscillations from the transport mechanism onto the weighing cell thus is damped. For high weights, however, this damping is not sufficient in order to assure an adequate measuring precision. Moreover, such a resilient suspension produces a transient behavior of the weighing pan that lengthens the measuring time and thus reduces the letter throughput.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,797 discloses a non-modular device for automatic mail processing in which the dynamic weighing function is integrated. Shortening of the transport path and a letter throughput per time unit that is higher overall are intended to be achieved. In this solution, as well, however, the maximum weight is limited, given a predetermined measuring precision and processing speed. A product constructed according to this principle achieves a throughput of approximately 5000 an hour given a maximum weight of 500 g. For letters having a higher weight, the manufacturer offers an additional, static scale as an attachment. Thus, automatic processing of heavier letters is not possible.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,782 and British Specification 22 35 656 disclose a semi-dynamic weighing. The user station arranged upstream can be a scale and the user station arranged downstream is a postage meter machine. A continuously moving letter must be completely accepted by the scale for the measuring time required for the weight determination. The probability that the scale will determine an incorrect measured result is higher given mixed mail. The measuring time is increased dependent on the dimensions of the letter. A complicated control, which interprets the dimensions of the letter in advance, and control motors are required for this purpose. Alternatively, the weighing path could in fact be lengthened and a reject compartment could be provided. This, however, would increase the length of the overall mail processing system; which is not possible without extensive retrofitting.  
           [0009]    According to European Application 514 107, a control means interrupts the transport given large letters and letters that are difficult to weigh until the measurement is stable. The measurement ensues in the static condition of the dynamic scale. A detector is arranged in the scale in the proximity of the downstream conveyor belt end, and only letters whose weight has been identified prior to this time pass through this detector. Measurement errors occur given a short weighing path and unevenly distributed mass in the letter or a high transport speed of high-mass letters. In the event of a sudden stoppage, moreover, the letter can slide from the weighing pan due to its mass inertia. The dimensions of the weighing pan are therefore designed somewhat larger or the transport speed is fixed lower. The throughput given mixed mail is correspondingly reduced.  
           [0010]    German Published Patent 37 31 494 corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,432 discloses weighing during a quiescent time, wherein the operation of the franking system and of the transport system are interrupted because the latter would otherwise produce an excessive vibration. The transport time from the weighing module to the postage meter machine is designed to be short. The speed cannot be arbitrarily increased, however, without increasing the risk of jams. The throughput performance that can be achieved is limited by pauses introduced into the executive sequence. The speed of the weighing is limited by the speed of the weight determination. This is particularly slowed for heavy letters, for which the measurement must be exact.  
           [0011]    In contrast to semi-dynamic operation, dynamic operation is problematical for heavy letters. German OS 198 33 767 discloses a dynamic scale wherein the mass of the weighing pan is significantly decreased and its rigidity significantly enhanced. Short transient times for the overall measuring system result therefrom, as, consequently, do correspondingly higher letter transport speeds given dynamic operation.  
           [0012]    With the goal of assuring an efficient mixed mail processing with a dynamic scale in conjunction with a newly developed postage meter machine, whereby the former implements a weight determination and the latter implements the calculation of the postage value, this known dynamic scale has a weighing pan for the letters that is implemented in lightweight structure but which is flexurally and torsionally rigid. This weighing pan is coupled to a weighing cell at the approximate location of the center of gravity of the weighing pan and of a letter with the highest allowed weight that is arranged centrally on the weighing pan. Negative effects of the load arm are minimized by the aforementioned coupling of the weighing pan to the weighing cell. An increase in the range of utilization is established by the improvement of the function properties of the dynamic scale.  
           [0013]    A method for the control of a dynamic scale that can process mixed postal matter having different size and thickness and that can be operated in at least two operating modes is disclosed in German Patent Application DE 19860296.0. In the dynamic operating mode, a piece of mail is supplied, before the beginning of a first measuring time span, with a transport speed that is set to a predetermined value and independently of the letter format when the letter is located at the entry to the dynamic scale. Speed regulation is deactivated by the controller of the dynamic scale during the dynamic weighing in the measuring time span, so that a weight measurement ensues given a deactivated speed regulation. An activation of the speed regulation for the motor ensues again when the letter is located in the discharge of the dynamic scale. The letter subsequently passes through the postage meter machine or further processing stations of the mail processing system.  
           [0014]    The scale can be switched from a dynamic to a semi-dynamic operating mode. If the scale identifies an invalid measured result, a reverse motion of the incorrectly measured letter is triggered within the scale. The scale stops the conveyor belt during the following semi-dynamic weighing until the scale has determined a correct measured result. However, the clock performance (throughout of letters per hour) is reduced because the scale only works in the static or, respectively, semi-dynamic operating mode for letters that were initially incorrectly weighed or for other pieces of mail.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0015]    An object of the present invention is to achieve an automatic processing of mixed mail with mailing having higher weight as well in the dynamic operating mode of a scale in order to increase the throughput of pieces of mail per hour. An optimally high proportion of the mail of a mail shipper should be weighed in the dynamic mode, with manual interventions being as few as possible during the mail processing.  
           [0016]    The above object is achieved in accordance with the invention in a dynamic scale, and a method for operating a dynamic scale, wherein items to be weighed are transported on a transport device to a weighing cell, at which a measured weight value is obtained, and wherein the scale is controlled to operate in one of a number of operating modes of the transport device dependent on the measured weight value, which may include, if necessary, re-weighing the item before the item exits the dynamic scale.  
           [0017]    It has been found that a dynamic weighing in two directions, downstream as well as upstream, is fundamentally possible with the inventive measuring arrangement. The measuring arrangement of the dynamic scale is coupled to a conveyor for the continuous transport of letters. The conveyor is called a transport device below. The transport direction is reversible, and thus a letter transport can be implemented upstream in the direction of the system entry location as well as downstream to the further processing station.  
           [0018]    The piece of mail—referred to below as letter—is transported downstream to the further processing station with a first speed, whereby a weight measurement ensues which is interpreted for plausibility of the measured result. Given non-plausibility, i.e. the measured result of the letter weight is declared invalid, and a dynamic re-measurement of the weight is implemented. For this purpose, the letter—by reversing the transport direction of the transport device—is transported with a second speed upstream into a predetermined position back to the letter entry.  
           [0019]    During the return transport of the letter, the weight thereof is determined in a dynamic scale without an intermediate stop.  
           [0020]    Given successful re-measurement for which the weighed result is plausible, the letter is carried downstream to the further processing station without further weighing. The discharge can ensue with a maximum speed prescribable for the dynamic scale, that is higher than the first and second speeds.  
           [0021]    A further re-measurement can ensue when the measuring time is inadequate or when the re-measurement is not plausible. When reaching a predetermined position in the letter admission, the letter is transported downstream across the weighing system a second time with a third speed by again reversing the transport device, whereby the dynamic scale determines the weight of the letter with a further re-measurement during the transport. When the result of the re-measurement is plausible (valid), the letter is carried to the next processing station with the speed that is set for the system throughput without disturbing influences.  
           [0022]    Another possible manner of operation of the invention is that, given a weighed value that is not plausible, the weighing system is left in the dynamic condition but no weight determination is implemented given return transport of the letter by reversing the transport direction of the transport devices in order to further damp the natural oscillations of the weighing system. A repetition of the weight determination of the letter during transport is implemented only when the letter has reached the predetermined position in the admission region and the transport of the letter downstream by the transport device has been resumed.  
           [0023]    During the passage of the letter, sensors identify the letter in its respective positions. The implementation of the plausibility check is disclosed in German OS 198 60 296. The invention assures that a high proportion of the mail volume of the mail shipper ensues dynamically. Manual interventions are required only when other errors have occurred that have negatively influenced the oscillatory behavior of the weighing system such as, for example, impacts or improper handling of the system components.  
           [0024]    It is of no significance for the realization of the invention whether the letters are transported horizontally or vertically. The invention is not limited to currently known weighing methods known. As stated above, the further processing station coupled to the scale receives weighed letters from the transport device of the dynamic scale. A control unit is connected to the weighing cell, the sensors and the transport device. The latter is fashioned for a bi-directional transport. The sensors identify the letter position in the transport path. The transport devices in the dynamic scale has a controllable drive, and the control unit includes a microprocessor that is connected to a program memory and to a non-volatile memory. The microprocessor is programmed such that the letter is transported upstream in the direction of the first processing station with a second speed or downstream in the direction of the further processing station with a second speed. Dependent on the result of the weight determination, the microprocessor switches from the first mode into a second operating mode. When the measured result is valid, the letter is discharged to a further processing device in the first operating mode. When the measurement is invalid, a switch is automatically made to a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, the letter is transported upstream in the direction of the first processing station with a second speed and is re-weighed, or given very poor vibratory behavior of the weighing system, is transported directly back to the predetermined position in the admission region without being weighed. The letter is dynamically re-weighed only after resumption of the transport direction of the letter downstream with a third speed. The microprocessor determines the respective magnitudes of the second and third speeds dependent on the extent to which the measuring arrangement with the weighing cell has already zeroed-in on the weight in the first operating mode.  
           [0025]    It is provided that the second and third speeds are different in magnitude from, or the same as, the first speed but lower than a maximum speed with which a letter is carried downstream in the direction of the further processing station without weight determination.  
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dynamic scale from the front constructed and operating in accordance with the invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram for the control of a dynamic scale constructed and operating in accordance with the invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 is a speed/time diagram for the control of the upstream re-weighing in dynamic scale constructed and operating in accordance with the invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 4 a  is a flowchart for the control of the upstream re-weighing in the dynamic scale constructed and operating in accordance with the invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 b  is a flowchart for the control of the downstream re-weighing in the dynamic scale constructed and operating in accordance with the invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a sub-flowchart for overload and shutoff criterion in the dynamic scale constructed and operating in accordance with the invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a speed/time diagram for the control of the downstream re-weighing in the dynamic scale constructed and operating in accordance with the invention.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a dynamic scale  10  that is fashioned for the transport of letters A standing on edge. The letters A individually in succession come to lie against a weighing pan  6  that is arranged in a recess  11  in a back guide wall  1  of the scale. Sensors S 1  and S 2  are arranged in the back guide wall  1  at both sides of the recess  11  for the weighing pan  6 . Forked light or reflected light barriers that detect the trailing edge or the leading edge of a letter A when it is transported onto the weighing pan  6  are suitable as the sensors S 1  and S 2 . The sensor S 1  is arranged upstream close to the beginning of the path of the letter A on the weighing pan  6  (as viewed in the transport direction). A transport device  4  having a conveyor belt  41  (not visible) lies at the level of a lower guide wall  3  of the scale. The back guide wall  1  is inclined slightly toward the rear, preferably by 18° from the vertical. This corresponds to an optimization angle that has already been determined for an automatic letter feed and a postage meter machine (German OS 196 05 014 and German OS 196 05 015). The lower guide wall  3  is arranged orthogonally relative to the rear and, accordingly, relative to the front cover plate  2  as well. A defined letter attitude and a smooth adaptation to the preceding and following devices is thus achieved. All said assemblies or parts are secured on a chassis  5  with appropriate spacers. Further details regarding the structural design of the scale can be derived from German Patent Application 198 33 767.1, corresponding to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/364,264, filed Jul. 15, 1999 (“Apparatus for Weighing Moving Postal Mafter,” Huber et al.), the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0034]    The block circuit diagram for the control of a dynamic scale and the block circuit diagram of the control of a franking device are explained with reference to FIG. 2. The control unit  20  of a dynamic scale  10  has a microprocessor  21  that is connected to a program memory  22 , a non-volatile memory  23  as well as to an input interface  24  and an output interface  25 . An appertaining set of parameters for the evaluation of the measured values is stored in the non-volatile memory  23  respectively for different predetermined speeds. The microprocessor  21  has an internal main memory and, if necessary an additional, external main memory. Alternatively, a microcontroller with integrated memories can be utilized. The microprocessor  21  has an output operationally connected to a motor  49  of the transport device  4  of the dynamic scale  1  via a driver  26  and has an input operationally connected to an encoder  50 , the sensors S 1 , S 2  as well as to a weighing cell  7  in order to receive sensor signals, encoder signals and weight data and in order to send control commands to the transport device  4 .  
         [0035]    The motor  49  in the transport device  4  of the scale  10  is a variable-speed motor  49  with reversible rotational sense for setting the transport speed and for changing the transport direction. The transport device  4  preferably contains a dc motor that is supplied with dc pulses, whereby a specific speed is set on the basis of the ratio of pulse length to pulse pause. The motor  49  drives a drive roller  485 . The latter can act on the letters A directly or indirectly, preferably via a conveyor belt  41  that can be tautened with a tensioning device  48 .  
         [0036]    In the first operating mode for the dynamic operation of the scale, the transport device  4  implements a forward motion of a letter A downstream within the scale with a specific, first speed that does not exceed the transport speed in the further processing station.  
         [0037]    Corresponding control commands can be generated with the control unit  20  with which—in a second operating mode—a second speed is generated in order to retard (as needed) the transport speed in the scale to such an extent that adequate measuring time is available for a dynamic measurement. In the second operating mode for the dynamic operation of the scale, the transport device  4  implements a reverse motion of the letter A upstream within the scale  10  with the specific, second speed. The motor  49  supplied with dc pulses delivers a specific speed on the basis of the ratio of the pulse length to the pulse pause, as a result of which a specific speed is set on the conveyor belt  41 . During the return transport upstream up to a predetermined position in the admission region, the letter A is dynamically weighed a second time. Dependent on the result of the first, implausible weight determination, the microprocessor  21  switches the speed of the reverse movement of the letter A. The magnitude of the transport speed is dependent on the extent to which the measuring arrangement with the weighing cell  7  has already zeroed in on the weight in the first measurement. After detection of the returned letter A by the sensor S 1 , the drive composed of a transmission  44  and motor  49  again reverses the transport direction. The drive is controlled by the microprocessor  21  by the transport speed for the discharge being set higher than the first speed or a third speed for a repetition of the weight determination. In a known way, the transport speed for the repeat measurement can be set decelerated. As a result, vibration influences caused by heavy letters and stochastic influences such as oscillatory impacts at the point of placement of the dynamic scale  10  are reduced. Given a successful weight determination, the letter A is conveyed to a further processing device, preferably to a postage meter machine, with a transport speed adapted to the mail processing. The motor  49  supplies a specific speed due to the ratio of pulse length to pulse pause, as a result of which a specific speed is set at the transport device.  
         [0038]    In a further embodiment the transport device  4  of the scale  10  has a switchable drive and the controller  20  includes the driver  26  that is connected between the drive and the control circuit, as a result of which the transport direction of the scale can be reversed in order to transport the letter back to the start of the weighing dish  6  in the second operating mode and in order to implement a re-weighing during the return transport. The driver  26  can be fashioned as a relay. The control signals from the control unit  20  drive the relay, which switches the voltage for the drive motor of the transport device. The motor  49  is connected to the drive roller  485  via a suitable transmission  44  which can be either a gearwheel or a belt.  
         [0039]    In an alternative embodiment, the transport device  4  of the scale is a motor with switchable transmission that can be switched into different speeds and rotational senses.  
         [0040]    The weight determination ensues in the first operating mode during the measuring time span wherein the letter A is transported downstream in the direction of the further processing station with a first speed. In the measuring time span, measured values are sorted according to size and a measured value lying in the middle is determined. An identified measured value is declared valid as a result of the weight determination as long as predetermined limit values and shutoff criteria are not transgressed. Further details about the weight determination in the scale can be derived from German Application 198 60 294.4, corresponding to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/458,000 filed Dec. 10, 1999 (“Method and Arrangement for Determining a Weight with a Dynamic Scale,” Hubler), the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0041]    The transgression of the shutoff criteria is a measure of the extent to which the measuring arrangement with the weighing cell has already zeroed in on the weight in the first operating mode. If the measuring arrangement with the weighing cell has not adequately homed in on the weight in the first operating mode, then the letter A is transported back upstream in the second operating mode with a second speed that is lower than the first speed. If the measuring arrangement with the weighing cell has in fact zeroed in on the weight in the first operating mode, but the check result is implausible, then the letter is transported back upstream in the second operating mode with a second speed that can be greater than or equal to the first speed. When the letter weight is plausibly determined, the letter A is stopped at a predetermined position in the admission area and transported to the postage meter machine with a maximum speed adapted to the dynamic scale ( 10 ). If the weight value is implausible, the letter A is weighed again during transport downstream to the postage meter machine with a speed equal to or lower than the first speed.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 3 shows a speed/time diagram for the control of the dynamic scale when a re-weighing is required after the weighing. The scale is in the first operating mode when a letter A is supplied at time t 0  with a (positive) transport velocity V 1 . The measurement (checkerboard pattern) begins with time t 1  and ends at time t 2 . At time t 1 , input jolts on the weighing dish  6  given letter feed has usually already decayed. A re-weighing is required when the input jolts on the weighing pan  6  given letter feed have not yet decayed or not decayed far enough. Such a requirement is recognized in the interpretation of the measured values. It is usually high-mass letters that shoot at least partially beyond the back end of te scale at the letter output. The transport velocity V 1  is therefore reduced to the velocity V 2a =0, and the letter is then transported back upstream (negative velocity), at least until the sensor S 2  detects that the leading edge of the letter in turn leaves the letter output  32 . The transport velocity is then reduced again to the velocity V 2a =0. The dotted line shown in FIG. 3 shows a static re-weighing beginning with time t 3  and ending at time t 7 . A static re-weighing in the second operating mode can also be derived from the aforementioned co-pending application Ser. No. 09/458,000 and shall not be explained in further detail herein.  
         [0043]    Inventively, a dynamic re-weighing can ensue in a second operating mode when the letter is transported back upstream to the admission area with a second (negative) velocity and is weighed. The dynamic re-weighing is shown as a line pattern area and begins with time t 3  and ends at time t 6 , whereby the second velocity V 2b  is lower in amount than the first velocity V 1  of the first operating mode. The letter is handed over at time t b . The dynamic re-weighing is shown as a black area and begins with time t 4  and ends at time t 5 , whereby the second velocity V 2c  is greater in amount than the first velocity V 1  of the first operating mode. The letter is handed over to a postage meter machine at time t c , with t c &lt;t b &lt;t a .  
         [0044]    In another embodiment, a renewed dynamic re-weighing ensues after the letter A is first transported back to the admission area up to a predetermined position with a second (negative) velocity, with an adequate distance from the predetermined position in the direction of the next processing device in order to again repeat a weight determination of the letter A in the dynamic mode of the dynamic scale  10 , if it was not possible to determine a plausible weight value with the measurement during forward transport.  
         [0045]    After recognition of the letter position on the basis of the letter edge of the letter A, the sensor S 1  in the admission region emits a corresponding signal to the control unit  20 , the effect thereof being that the motor  49  is driven with reversed rotational sense and the letter A is carried downstream to the next processing device with maximum speed when a plausible weight value was identified, or with a speed lower than or equal to the first speed when no plausible weight value is present after the first weight determination.  
         [0046]    In a further embodiment that the controller  20  conducts the re-measurement with a higher transport velocity dependent on the extent to which the weighing cell has already zeroed in on the weight of the letter A.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 4 a  shows the flowchart for the control of the dynamic scale. The microprocessor  21  can identify the leading edge of the letter A with the sensor S 1  at the letter admission and starts the executive sequence (in step  99 ). First, a loop counter is set to Z=0 in step  100 . Measured weighing values are constantly supplied by the weighing cell  7  for the purpose of weight determination. The microprocessor  21  has recognized (in step  101 ) the trailing edge of the letter A with the sensor S 1  at the letter admission, and starts (point B 1 ) the sub-program of sorting (in step  102 ) the measured weighing values M 1 , M 2 , M 3 , . . . , M 7 , . . . , Mx, . . . M 14  as described in the aforementioned co-pending application Ser. No. 09/458,000. A predetermined plurality of, for example, P 3 =14 last measured values M 1  through M 14  can be prescribed with a parameter P 3 . A branch is made from the step  102  to a sub-step  103   a  of the evaluation step  103 . When the forward (downstream) motion direction is set, a branch is made to a sub-step  103   b . After a time lapse when the letter A is transported downstream, the microprocessor recognizes the leading edge of the letter A (in step  103   b ) with the sensor S 2  at the letter output  32  and branches to a step  104 . The time span that has passed from the reference point B 1  for an acquisition of the predetermined number of last measured values is referred to as measuring time span T 1 . The microprocessor  21  now forms a decision parameter E in step  104  as difference value between the highest and lowest sorted value.  
         [0048]    If the leading edge of the letter A was not yet detected at the output in the sub-step  103   b , then a branch is made back to a reference point B 1  at the input of the sorting step.  
         [0049]    When the movement is set to zero or reverse (upstream), a branch is made from the sub-step  103   a  to a sub-step  103   c  of the evaluation step  103 . Given a movement reduced to zero, a branch is made from the sub-step  103   c  to the sub-step  103   d  of the evaluation step  103  and a semi-dynamic weighing is implemented. Otherwise, a dynamic weighing is implemented during the travel in reverse and a branch is made to the sub-step  103   e  of the evaluation step  103 . If the leading edge of the letter A at the output (in sub-step  103   b ) or the trailing edge of the letter at the admission (in sub-step  103   e ) has not yet been detected, then a branch is made to a reference point B 1  at the input of the sorting step  102 . Otherwise, i.e. after the acquisition of the measured weighing values M 1  through Mx or M 1  through Mi&gt;M 14 —whose number is again prescribed by the parameter P 3 —a reference point B 2  is reached. The decision parameter E can now again be formed in the step  104  as a difference value between the highest and lowest sorted value. Subsequently, a reference point B 3  is reached, and the microprocessor  21  now starts the inquiry for at least one overload in the step  105 . In terms of size, for example, the measured value M 7  lies in the middle between the highest and the lowest values and is compared to the highest overload limit G 3 . Additionally, the loop counter is interrogated for time out after Z&gt;4. The point B 8  is reached when a criterion is met, i.e. overload or Z&gt;4. If an overload error or timeout exists, it is interpreted further (in step  111  ) and the scale is stopped. If no overload or timeout is present, then a determination is made in a further query step  106  as to whether the value is valid or invalid. To this end, a sub-program is called, this being explained in detail on the basis of FIG. 5. The difference value E from the first M 1  and the fourteenth sorted measured value M 14  should lie within the weight range of one of the shutoff criteria A 1 , A 2  or A 3 . For example, it lies within a range defined by the second shutoff criterion A 2  and thus yields valid measured values. The shutoff criterion A 1  applies to lightweight letters, the shutoff criterion A 2  applies to medium-weight letters and the shutoff criterion A 3  applies to heavy letters. When the check of the transgression of the limit values and shutoff criteria has yielded the validity of the measure value M 7  lying in the middle, this means that none of the shutoff criteria has been met (reference point B 4 ). Since none of the shutoff criteria has been met, a branch can now be made onto the step  107  for determining the weighing value, a subprogram being called and processed therein (reference point B 5 ). Given a successful weight determination in the step  107 , the letter eject ensues in a sub-step  116 , as does the handover of the weighing result to the postage meter machine. The motor  49  or the transmission  44  is also set to the forward motion direction (downstream). The subprogram can likewise be derived from the aforementioned co-pending application Ser. No. 09/458,000. When the scale is not stopped (for example, manually), this being interrogated in step  112 , then a branch is made from step  112  back onto the step  100 . Given an identified stop command, the end of operation of the scale is reached (step  113 ).  
         [0050]    Otherwise, given invalid measured values, i.e. when the check of the transgression of the shutoff criteria in step  106  indicates that at least one shutoff criterion is met or exceeded, then reference point B 7  is reached, and a branch is made to the step  108 , causing the motor control  20 ,  26 ,  44 ,  49  to be switched, in this case to initiate the return transport of the letter A into a weighing position and to then implement a re-weighing during return travel.  
         [0051]    Dependent on whether the check in step  106  yielded a transgression of the shutoff criteria A 1 , A 2  or A 3 , the microprocessor selects and enters a reference value n 1 , n 2 , n 3  for speed control before switching into the second operating mode (reference point B 7 ). The current speed n is identified by the encoder  50  and employed for the speed regulation in the step  108 . The speed regulation (not shown) is shut off (disenabled) in the actual measuring interval for the re-weighing mode. From step  108 , a return branch is then made via the steps  109  and  110  onto the reference point B 1  to the sorting step  102 , and a branch is then made via the query steps  103   a ,  103   c ,  103   e  to the step  104  for the difference formation in the re-weighing mode. The count value of the loop counter is incremented in the step  109 , Z=Z+1.  
         [0052]    The measurement evaluation begins with the branch to the reference point B 1 . Previously, the microprocessor  21  can have recognized with the sensor S 2  that the leading edge of the letter A no longer covers the output  32  of the scale. The measured values Mx supplied by the weighing cell  7  are sorted and stored in the step  102 . The measuring interval is retroactively defined for x measured values that are still stored from after the letter A reaching the admission region. In step  103   e , the sensor S 1  is thus used to evaluate whether the trailing edge of the letter A has arrived at the admission region. The admission region (not visible in FIG. 1) is at the opposite end of the scale from the output  32 . If the trailing edge of the letter A has not yet arrived at the admission region, then a branch is made from the step  103   e  back onto the reference point B 1  at the beginning of the step  102 . When the trailing edge of the letter A has arrived at the admission region, then the reference point B 2  at the beginning of the step  104  for the difference formation in the re-weighing mode is reached. After executing the query steps  105  and  106 , the reference point B 4  is reached if no transgression of the overload value or of the loop criterion (timeout) or of the shutoff criteria is found. Otherwise, when a transgression of the shutoff criteria is found, the reference point B 7  is reached. The motor control now switches to the forward motion direction (downstream). After incrementation Z=Z+1 in the step  109 , the microprocessor  21  finds in the following step  110  that the loop count Z&gt;2 of the loop counter has been reached, and a check is made in the step  114  as to whether the sensors S 1 , S 2  in the admission/output of the scale are still covered. When this is the case, there is a wait in a waiting loop until the letter A—as a result of the switching of the transport direction—no longer occupies the admission/output of the scale, i.e. is located only on the weighing pan  6 . A motor stop (n=0) is then set in the step  115 , and a third operating mode for a semi-dynamic weighing begins, whereby a direct branch is made to the reference point B 1 . The measurement ends after stop  112  with a plausible result or given stop  116  with an implausible result.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 4 b  shows the flowchart for the control of the dynamic scale for a second variant. The microprocessor  21  can detect the leading edge of the letter A at the letter admission region with the sensor S 1  and starts the executive sequence (in step  99 ). First, a loop counter is set to Z=0 in step  100 . Measured weighing values are constantly supplied by the weighing cell  7  for the purpose of weight determination. The microprocessor  21  recognizes (in step  101 ) the trailing edge of the letter A with the sensor S 1  at the letter admission region, and starts (point B 1 ) the sub-program of sorting (in step  102 ) the measured weighing values M 1 , M 2 , M 3 , . . . , M 7 , . . . , Mx, . . . M 14  that as described in the aforementioned co-pending application Ser. No. 09/458,000. A predetermined number of last measured values M 1  through M 14  can be prescribed with a parameter P 3 , for example, P 3 =14. A branch is made from the step  102  to a sub-step  103   a  of the evaluation step  103 . When the forward (downstream) motion direction is set, a branch is made to a sub-step  103   b . After a time lapse while the letter A is transported downstream, the microprocessor  21  recognizes the leading edge of the letter A (in step  103   b ) with the sensor S 2  at the letter output  32  and branches to a step  104 . The time span that has passed from the reference point B 1  for an acquisition of the predetermined number of last measured values is referred to as measuring time span T 1 . After T 1 , the microprocessor  21  forms a decision parameter E in step  104  as a difference value between the highest and lowest sorted values. If the leading edge of the letter was not yet detected at the output in the sub-step  103   b , then a branch is made back to a reference point B 1  at the input of the sorting step.  
         [0054]    When the movement is set to zero or reverse (upstream), a branch is made from the sub-step  103   a  to a sub-step  103   c  of the evaluation step  103 . Given a movement reduced to zero, a branch is made from the sub-step  103   c  onto the sub-step  103   d  of the evaluation step  103  and a semi-dynamic weighing is implemented.  
         [0055]    After the acquisition of the measured weighing values M 1  through M 14  or M 1  with i≧14, whose number is prescribed by the parameter P 3 , a reference point B 2  is reached and the decision parameter E is formed in the step  104  as a difference value between the highest and lowest sorted values. Subsequently, a reference point B 3  is reached, and the microprocessor  21  now starts the inquiry for at least one overload in the step  105 . In terms of magnitude, for example, the measured value M 7  lies in the middle between the highest and the lowest values and is compared to the highest overload limit G 3 . Additionally, the loop counter is interrogated for transgression (timeout) after Z&gt;4. The point B 8  is reached when an overload criterion is met, i.e. Z&gt;4. The existence of an overload error or time out is interpreted further (in step  111 ) and the scale is stopped. If no overload or timeout is present, then a determination is made in a further query step  106  as to whether the value is valid or invalid. To this end, a sub-program is called, as explained in detail in the aforementioned co-pending application Ser. No. 09/458,000.  
         [0056]    The difference value E from the first M 1  and the fourteenth sorted measured value M 14  should lie within the weight range of one of the shutoff criteria A 1 , A 2  or A 3 . For example, it lies within a range defined by the second shutoff criterion A 2  and thus yields valid measured values. The shutoff criterion A 1  applies to lightweight letters, the shutoff criterion A 2  applies to medium-weight letters and the shutoff criterion A 3  applies to heavy letters. If the check of the transgression of the limit values and shutoff criteria indicates the validity of the measure value M 7  lying in the middle, this means that none of the shutoff criteria has met (reference point B 4 ). Since none of the shutoff criteria were met, a branch can now be made to the step  107  for determining the weighing value, a sub-program being called and executed therein (reference point B 5 ). Given a successful weight determination in the step  107 , the letter eject ensues in a sub-step  116 , as does the handover of the weighing result to the postage meter machine. The motor  49  or the transmission  44  is also set to the forward motion direction (downstream). The sub-program is also described in the aforementioned co-pending application Ser. No. 09/458,000. As long as the scale is not stopped (for example, manually), (which is interrogated in step  112 ), a branch is made from step  112  back to the step  100 . Given an identified stop command, the end of operation of the scale is reached (step  113 ).  
         [0057]    Otherwise, given invalid measured values, i.e. when the check of the transgression of the shutoff criteria in step  106  indicates that at least one shutoff criterion is exceeded, then reference point B 7  is reached, and a branch is made to the step  108 , whereat the motor control  20 , 26 , 44 , 49  is switched, in this case to initiate the return transport of the letter A into a weighing position and to then implement a re-weighing later during forward travel. The microprocessor  21  selects and enters a reference value n 2  for speed regulation upon return transport with a second velocity V 2  before switching into the second operating mode (reference point B 7 ). The current speed n is identified by the encoder  50  and is employed for the speed regulation in the step  109 . From the step  109 , a branch is then made via the steps  108  and  110  back to the reference point B 1  to the sorting step  102 , and a branch is then made via the query steps  103   a ,  103   c ,  103   e  to the step  109  for switching the letter transport direction for the re-weighing mode. So that an adequate measuring path is available in the re-weighing, a reverse travel determined by the sub-steps  103   a  and  103   c  is previously carried out. There is a waiting loop, i.e. a branch is made onto the sub-step  103   e  of the evaluation step  103  as long as the trailing edge of the letter A has not yet been detected at the admission region of the scale with sensor S 1  and microprocessor  21  in the sub-step  103   e . When the trailing edge of the letter reaches the admission region of the scale, then a branch is made to a step  109  in order to in turn reverse the motion direction to “forward”.  
         [0058]    The speed regulation is also shut off in the actual measuring interval for the re-weighing mode. The count value of the loop counter was incremented in step  110 , Z=Z+1, and now stands at Z=2. The measurement evaluation again begins with the branch to the reference point B 1 . Forward travel determined by the sub-steps  103   a  is thereby implemented.  
         [0059]    The microprocessor  21  now drives the motor  49  with the same parameters (n 1 ) as in the first pass. The loop counter, which is now set to Z=2, can be interrogated in the step  108  before the step  110  for incrementing the round counter, Z=Z+1=3, and, subsequently, the reference point B 1  is reached. In the second loop, the dynamic weighing is repeated during the latter transport that ensues downstream. Consequently, the steps  102 ,  103  and  104  are executed. If the leading edge of the letter A has not yet been detected at the output  32  in the sub-step  103   b , then a branch is made back to the reference point B 1  at the input of the sorting step  102 . Otherwise, the reference point B 2  is reached when the microprocessor  21  recognizes with the sensor S 2  that the leading edge of the letter A reaches or covers the output  32  of the scale.  
         [0060]    The measured values Mx supplied by the weighing cell  7  are sorted and stored in the step  102 . The measurement interval is retroactively defined for x measured values that are still stored after the output  32  is reached. The reference point B 3  is reached after implementation of the step  104  for forming the difference in the re-weighing mode. After executing the query steps  105  and  106 , the reference point B 4  is reached if no transgression of the overload value or of the loop criterion (timeout) or of the shutoff criteria is found. Otherwise, if a transgression of the shutoff criteria is found, the reference point B 7  is reached. In the step  109 , the motor controller switches to the reverse motion direction (upstream). The letter A is transported back only a short distance because the transgression of the criterion Z&gt;2 is recognized in the step  108  and a branch is made to a step  115 , stop motor. However, the letter A is still moved somewhat backwards even in the stop event, so that it comes to rest lying completely on the weighing pan  6 . A semi-dynamic weighing is implemented with a motion reduced to zero. First, however, the loop counter is incremented to the value Z=Z+1=4 in the step  110  and the reference point B 1  is subsequently reached. After the incrementation in the step  110 , the steps  102 ,  103   a ,  103   c  and  103   d  are executed and a difference formation is undertaken in the step  104  when all measured values M 1  through Mi with i&gt;14 are stored, the number of which having been prescribed by the parameter P 3 . Especially large and heavy pieces of mail have long transient behavior. In the third operating mode, the number of measured values Ml through Mx in the static re-measurement is thus greater than fourteen.  
         [0061]    The switching to the forward motion direction (downstream) that may have been undertaken in the step  109  remains without effect if the microprocessor  21  finds in the following step  108  that the loop count Z&gt;2 of the round counter is exceeded and the motor was shut off in the step  115 , incrementation to the value Z=4 is undertaken in the step  110  and a check is carried out later in the step  105  whether the time condition is met (time out). The measurement ends after stop  112  with a plausible result or with an implausible result given stop  116 .  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 5 shows the sub-flowchart for overload and shutoff criterion. In the query steps  105 - 1 ,  105 - 2 ,  105 - 3 , the seventh measured value is compared to respective limit values G 3 , G 1  and G 2 . The weight class to which the measured values can be assigned can be determined in this way. If the seventh measured value M 7  is greater than the third limit value G 3 , then an overload is found and the reference point B 8  is reached. Otherwise, M 7 &lt;G 3  applies and a check is car 5 ried out to see whether the seventh measured value is greater than the first limit value G 1 . When this is the case, i.e. G 1 &lt;M 7 &lt;G 3  is present, then a check is made to determine whether the seventh measured value is greater than the second limit value G 2 . When this is the case, i.e. G 1 &lt;G 2 &lt;M 7 &lt;G 3 , then a branch is made onto the query step  106 - 3 . From query step  106 - 3 , E cannot be greater than the third query criterion A 3  if the acquired measured values are to be valid. Otherwise, a branch is made from the query step  105 - 2 ,  105 - 3  to the query step  106 - 1 ,  106 - 2 , respectively. In the query steps  106 - 1 ,  106 - 2 ,  106 - 3 , the difference E is compared to a value A 1 , A 2  and A 3  as shutoff criterion. If the difference E is greater than the shutoff criterion A 1 , A 2  orA 3 , then the measured values are invalid (reference point B 7 ). The measured values are valid (reference point B 4 ) if the difference E lies within the shutoff criterion A 1 , A 2  or A 3 . The terms “limit values” and “shutoff criteria” are explained in the aforementioned co-pending application Ser. No. 09/458,000. Given a value of the difference E greater than the shutoff criterion A 1 , the shutoff criterion is also met in order to prescribe a reference value n 1  for the speed regulation of the dc motor  49 . The motor  49  is supplied with d.c. pulses, as a result of which a specific speed occurs on the basis of the ratio of the pulse length to the pulse pause, and the conveyor belt is set to a specific speed, which is also retained for a time after the shutoff of the regulation. It is presumed that the measuring arrangement with the weighing cell have already zeroed in on the weight in the first operating mode. However, noise pulses caused, for example, by a striking of the leading edge of the letter against the weighing pan  6  at the admission region of the scale have led to the upward transgression of the shutoff criterion A 1 . The steady state was achieved with the last measured values. A few measured values M 1  through Mx with which the evaluation in the steady state is repeated then suffice for the measurement. The letter A can thus be transported upstream with a second speed that is higher than the first speed.  
         [0063]    If the shutoff criterion A 2  is met, it is assumed that the measuring arrangement with the weighing cell had not yet entirely zeroed in on the weight in the first operating mode. Since the critical oscillation amplitude acting on the difference value E always lies at the start of the weighing oscillation, it suffices when the measurement is implemented again with the same plurality of measured values M 1  through M 14  and the evaluation is repeated. When the shutoff criterion A 2  is met, then a reference value n 2  is thus prescribed for the speed regulation of the dc motor  49 . The second speed can thus be equal to the first.  
         [0064]    Especially large and heavy letters have long transient responses. If, because of this, the measuring arrangement with the weighing cell was only capable of zeroing in a little on the weight in the first operating mode, the letter A is transported upstream with a second speed that is lower than the first speed. If, as a result of the first measurement, the shutoff criterion A 3  is thus met, than a reference value n 3  for the speed regulation of the dc motor  49  is prescribed, this lengthening the measuring time. The number of measured values M 1  through Mx in the re-measurement is thus greater than fourteen.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 6 shows a speed/time diagram for the control of the dynamic scale when a re-weighing downstream is required after the weighing. The scale is in the first operating mode when a letter A is supplied at time t 0  with a (positive) transport velocity V 1 . The measurement (checkerboard pattern) begins with time t 1  and ends at time t 2 . At time t 1 , input jolts on the weighing pan  6  given letter feed usually already have decayed. A re-weighing is required when the input jolts on the weighing pan  6  given letter feed have not yet decayed or not decayed far enough. Such a requirement is recognized in the interpretation of the measured values. It is usually high-mass letters that shoot at least partially beyond the back end of the scale at the letter output  32 . The transport velocity V 1  is therefore reduced to the velocity V 2a =0, and the letter A is then transported back upstream (negative velocity), at least until the sensor S 2  detects that the leading edge of the letter exits the letter output  32 . The transport velocity is then reduced again to the velocity V 2a =0. The dotted line shown in FIG. 3 shows a static re-weighing beginning with time t 3  and ending at time t 7 . A static re-weighing in the second operating mode is described in the aforementioned co-pending application Ser. No. 09/458,000.  
         [0066]    A renewed dynamic re-weighing can ensue in a second operating mode when the letter A was transported back upstream to the admission region with a second (negative) speed and the letter has assumed a predetermined position from which an adequate distance extends downstream in the direction of the next processing device in order to dependably repeat a weight determination of the letter A in the dynamic mode of the scale/conveyor system. After recognizing the letter position on the basis of the letter edge of the letter A, the sensor S 1  forwards a corresponding signal to the control  20 , which causes the motor  49  to be driven with the opposite rotational sense and the transport device again transports the letter A downstream across the scale for re-weighing with a third (positive) speed. The third speed is shown in FIG. 3 as being equal to the first speed. In another embodiment the controller  20  implements the re-measurement with a higher speed dependent on the extent to which the measuring arrangement with the weighing cell has already zeroed in on the weight of the piece of mail in the first operating mode.  
         [0067]    The scale is composed of the principal components of the transport device  4 , the weighing pan  6 , the weighing cell  7  as well as the electronic control unit  20 , which includes an evaluation unit. The transport path, which is limited by a letter admission region and a letter output  32  at which a letter A is detected respectfully by sensors S 1  and S 2  proceeds on the weighing pan  6 . In the measurement, the letter A cannot lie only partly at the letter admission or letter output  32 , i.e. outside the weighing pan  6 . The microprocessor  21  is programmed in order to receive and interpret signals from sensors S 1 , S 2  and encoder signals. The dimensions of a letter A or a letter jam can be indirectly determined therefrom. Given an identical weight, a large-format letter may be weighed at a lower transport speed than a small-format letter for which a longer effective transport path is available. For this purpose, the microprocessor  21  is programmed for the determination of the effective transport path for a weight measurement. Dependent on the effective transport path for a weight measurement, the velocity V 2 ′ is varied, with V 2a &lt;V 2 ′&lt;V 2c . Given variation of a velocity V 2 ′, the microprocessor  21  can access an appropriate, further parameter set for the measured value interpretation. Instead of the microprocessor  21 , microcontrollers or application-specific circuit (ASICs) can be utilized for the control of the scale.  
         [0068]    Via the interface  25 , data are transmitted from a postage meter machine (not shown) to the dynamic scale and, vice versa, the valid weight value determined in the scale is transmitted to the postage meter machine. When, for example, the user interface of the postage meter machine is co-employed for the adaptation of the controller of the dynamic scale, then a separate user interface for the scale can be omitted. The setting of selected shipping parameters for a postage calculation in the postage meter machine and/or of operating parameters for the scale ensues according to the respective demands made of the processing of a mixed mail stack.  
         [0069]    The clock rate for the postal matter passing through a postage meter machine (in pieces per hour) is highest at the postage meter machine. The maximum letter transport velocity V 3  of the scale is automatically matched to that of the postage meter machine. For the re-weighing implemented in the second operating mode, a predetermined postal matter transport velocity is preset dependent on the result of the measured value interpretation implemented in the first operating mode in the initial weighing, and an appertaining parameter set is offered for the evaluation, this enabling an efficient mixed mail processing.  
         [0070]    The communication between an automatic feeder, dynamic scale and the postage meter machine can, for example, sequence as disclosed in German Patent Application 197 11 991.  
         [0071]    Although modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled in the art, it is the intention of the inventors to embody within the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of their contribution to the art.