Patent GB-1491321-A (GB)
Title: Weight measuring apparatus
IPC: G06Q30/00
Filed: 1975-01-20
Abstract: 1491321 Weighing apparatus RELIANCE ELECTRIC CO 20 Jan 1975 [18 Jan 1974] 2387/75 Heading G1W A weighing apparatus comprises scale means 11 for measuring the gross weight of an article, a plurality of manually operable switches 165, 166 for entering a tare weight into the apparatus, each switch corresponding to a different tare weight, a tare memory, means for measuring a predetermined time interval starting when any one of the switches is actuated, means for storing in the tare memory a tare weight determined by the switches pressed during the predetermined time interval, and means for subtracting the tare weight stored in the tare memory from the gross weight. A digital signal representing the weight on platform 13 is passed to a microcomputer 15 which is also connected to a data input unit 17, a digital weight display 22 and a printing unit 21. The microcomputer calculates the net weight of an article and its value and causes these quantities and the price per unit weight to be printed out on a label at 21. Unit 17 Fig. 3 comprises switch busses 155 connected to the computer, and a series of switches for connecting various strobe signal lines from the computer to selected ones of the busses. The tare weight of a container may be entered manually by means of switches 165, 166. When one of the manual tare switches is pressed the computer sums up the values of the switches pressed in a three second period and places this value into the tare memory. "Auto tare" and "no tare" switches 170, 171 respectively allow the computer to automatically tare or apply zero tare to the weighing. The price per pound may be applied to the computer either by manual switches 159-161 in unit 17. Alternatively, when switch 174 in unit 17 is pressed, the price is supplied automatically from the printer unit 21 which reads a digital code on a commodity plate inserted in the printer, the plate also carrying raised type for printing the article name. The printer may be controlled by switch 172 in unit 17 to print a label for each weighing, to print a new label each time a label is removed, or to print labels continuously. An automatic zero action is provided, a zero light indicating when the zero is within “ of the least significant displayed digit. Unit 17 contains a switch 177 which inhibits the auto zero action, and a capture range expand switch which allows zero errors up to 0À6 1b to be accumulated in a register. A zero expand switch 178 moves the decimal point one place to the left to increase the sensitivity by a factor of ten. The computer is arranged to prevent the printing of a label if a previously printed label has not been removed from the printer, if a previously weighed object has not been replaced, or if the maximum weight capacity or maximum value capacity has been exceeded. If the price per 1b or tare value has been changed from a previous weighing, a lock switch 179 in unit 17 must be actuated before a label is printed. The printer includes printing wheels provided with commutators, producing digital signals representing the position of the wheels, and printing of a label is inhibited if these signals are incorrect. A service switch allows the price per lb or value stored in the computer to be displayed on display 22 to determine whether or not an error in a printed label is caused by the printer. Blanking switches are provided whereby any of the net weight, price per lb and value print outs may be inhibited manually. The computer and printer may also be used to print labels according to number rather than weight by operation of switch 172 in unit 17.