AU2015100512A4 - A Weighing Scale and Method of Use - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 1) The present invention relates to a weighing scale and method of use for determining the weight of at least one container of produce and whether the weight of the at least one container of produce is within and/or outside of a desired weight range. The weighing scale includes: at least one load cell, a weighing base on which the at least one container of produce can rest and configured to act on the at least one load cell, and a signal generator for generating at least one signal when the at least one container is within and/or outside of the desired weight range. 125 124 120 142 142a Figure 1

Description

1 A WEIGHING SCALE AND METHOD OF USE TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a weighing scale and a method of use. In particular, the present invention relates to a weighing scale and method of using the scale for the weighing of produce containers. BACKGROUND [0002] Fresh produce, such as, e.g., fruit including strawberries and blueberries, is often packed into individual containers for sale in a retail market place. Typically, the produce is manually packed by packers into the individual containers at a farm or a packing facility. Once packed, the containers are weighed to ensure that each container contains a desired amount of produce for a particular container size. [0003] A problem with the above practice is that it is reliant on a packer to accurately read the weight of a container of produce using the visual number readout of a weighing scale and determine whether the weight falls within a desired weight range for the particular container size. Focussing on a visual number readout of a weighing scale can be tedious, time consuming, produce eye strain and disrupt process flow. This problem becomes particularly pronounced towards the end of a working day when a packer's eyes tire and concentration begins to wane. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a weighing scale and a method of use, which may at least partially address the problem mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice. [0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a weighing scale for measuring the weight of a load, said scale including: at least one load cell; a weighing base on which the load can rest and configured to act on the at least one load cell; and a signal generator operatively connected to the at least one load cell and capable of generating at least one signal other than a visual number readout when the load is within and/or 2 outside of a desired weight range. [0006] Advantageously, by generating at least one signal when a load is within and/or outside of a desired weight range, the weighing scale of the present invention, when used by packers for measuring the weight of at least one container of produce, eliminates the need for a packer to: (1) read the weight of the container using the visual number readout; and (2) determine whether the weight falls within a desired weight range for the particular container size. This, in turn, results in the packer being able to work more efficiently, with less eye strain and concentration. [0007] Preferably, the load is at least one container of produce, and the weighing scale of the present invention will be described hereafter with respect to the load being at least one container of produce. A person skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the weighing scale of the present invention may ultimately be used to measure the weight of any article or articles, such as, e.g., any mass-produced item, either directly or within a container with other like mass-produced items. [0008] The weighing scale may be of any suitable size, shape and construction to measure the weight of the at least one container of produce. [0009] Likewise, the weighing scale may be formed from any suitable material or materials. The scale may be formed of metal or plastics material or materials, or a combination thereof, for example. [0010] The weighing scale may preferably include a body for supporting and/or housing the at least one load cell, the signal generator and/or any other electrical or non-electrical components. The body may be configured such that the weighing base may sit or be positioned atop the body to receive the at least one container of produce to be weighed and to act on the at least one load cell. The body may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. [0011] Typically, the body may be circular, square, rectangular or oval-shaped, preferably square or rectangular-shaped. [0012] The body may have a bottom, a top and sides. Preferably, the top may include at least one opening through which the weighing base may act on the at least one load cell, either directly or indirectly. The bottom may include one or more feet for supporting the scale on a supporting surface. The feet may be adjustable to level the scale.

3 [0013] The at least one load cell may be of any suitable type to measure the weight of at least one container of produce. For example, the at least one load cell may be a strain gauge load cell, a piezoelectric load cell, a hydraulic load cell or a pneumatic load cell, preferably a strain gauge load cell. [0014] Typically, the at least one load cell may be suitably configured to measure the weight of the at least one container of produce. The at least one load cell may have a weighing range of between about 0.01g and about 50,000g, about 0.lg and about 50,000g, about 0.5g and about 50,000g, about Ig and about 50,000g, about Ig and about 40,000g, about Ig and about 30,000g, about Ig and about 20,000g, about Ig and about 10,000g, about Ig and about 5,000g, about 5g and about 5,000g or about 1Og and about 5,000g. [0015] Likewise, the at least one load cell may measure weight in about 0.01g, about 0.1g, about Ig, about 5g or about lOg intervals, preferably about Ig intervals. [0016] The at least one load cell may be supported or contained within the body of the weighing scale and be operatively associated with the weighing base in any suitable way such that the weighing base may act on the at least one load cell to measure the weight of the at least one container of produce. [0017] Typically, the at least one load cell is located within the body (housing) and has a load receiving end located at or near the top upon which the weighing base may act. [0018] In preferred embodiments, the weighing scale may further include a weighing base seat associated with the load receiving end of the at least one load cell and upon which the weighing base may act to thereby act on the at least one load cell. The weighing base seat may preferably be located within or beneath the at least one opening in the top of the body. [0019] The weighing base may be of any size, shape and construction suitably adapted to support the at least one container of produce and act on the at least one load cell to measure the weight of the container. Typically, the weighing base may detachably sit or be positioned atop the body of the scale. [0020] The weighing base may preferably be in the form of a plate, pan or tray having an upper surface for supporting the at least one container of produce and an opposed lower surface. The weighing base may have a circular, rectangular, triangular, square or oval shape, preferably rectangular or square. In some embodiments, the weighing base may include at least one 4 sidewall extending from the upper surface. In other embodiments, the weighing base may include a depression located in a central portion of the upper surface to at least partially reduce the likelihood of a load inadvertently falling off the weighing base. [0021] The weighing base may act on the at least one load cell in any suitable way. The weighing base may act directly or indirectly on the at least one load cell, for example. Preferably, the weighing base may act indirectly via the weighing base support on the at least one load cell. [0022] For example, in some embodiments, the weighing base seat may include at least one projection extending at least partially through the at least one opening in the top of the body of the scale and upon which the weighing base may sit. [0023] In preferred embodiments, however, the weighing base may include at least one projection or leg extending downwardly from the lower surface of the weighing base for supporting the weighing base on the weighing base seat. The at least one projection or leg may extend at least partially through the at least one opening in the top the body of the scale to rest on the weighing base seat. [0024] In some embodiments, the at least one projection or leg of the weighing base may be connectable to the weighing base seat to at least partially stabilize the weighing base relative to the body of the scale. The at least one projection or leg may be connectable to the weighing base seat in any suitable way, preferably detachably. [0025] For example, in one embodiment, an end of the at least one projection or leg of the weighing base may by connected to the weighing base seat by a suction cup, wet adhesive, dry adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape. [0026] In other embodiments, an end of the at least one projection or leg of the weighing base and the weighing base seat may be connectable by way of mateable male and female portions that couple together. [0027] For example, in one embodiment, the end of the of the at least one projection or leg of the weighing base may include a male formation configured to be inserted into or coupled with a female formation associated with the weighing base seat. Conversely, in another embodiment, the end of the at least one projection or leg of the weighing base may include a female formation configured to receive or be coupled with a male formation associated with the 5 weighing base seat. [0028] In some embodiments, the weighing scale may further include one or more stop members as found in conventional weighing scales. The one or more stop members may extend upwards from locations at or near the bottom of the body of the scale to locations beneath the weighing base seat to protect the at least one load cell against failure or damage due to an overload. Preferably, the one or more stop members extend upwards from spaced apart locations at or near the bottom of the body of the scale. [0029] As indicated above, the weighing scale includes a signal generator operatively connected to the at least one load cell and capable of generating at least one signal when the load (i.e., the at least one container of produce) is within and/or outside of a desired weight range. [0030] In one embodiment, the signal generator may generate a signal when the at least one container of produce is outside the desired weight range. In another embodiment, the signal generator may generate a signal when the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range. In preferred embodiments, the signal generator may generate a first signal when the at least one container of produce is lower than and/or greater than the desired weight range, and a second signal when the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range. In most preferred embodiments, the signal generator may generate a first signal when the at least one container of produce is greater than the desired weight range, and a second signal when the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range. [0031] The signal generator may be of any size, shape and form suitably configured to generate the at least one signal. Likewise, the at least one signal may be of any suitable type for alerting a user, such as, e.g., a visual signal, an audio signal and/or a combination thereof [0032] In some embodiments, the signal generator may include at least one audio signalling device for generating at least one audio signal. The audio signalling device may be in the form of a buzzer, a beeper, a siren or the like, and the at least one audio signal may be a buzz, a beep, a siren or the like, for example. The audio signal may be a synthesized message or playback of a pre-recorded message, such as, e.g., "over", "under" or "ok". Preferably, the at least one audio signal may be a buzz, a beep, a siren or the like, or a combination thereof. [0033] In one embodiment, the at least one audio signalling device may be capable of 6 emitting different types of audio signals to alert a user when the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range and outside of the desired weight range, for example. In another embodiment, the signal generator may include two or more audio signalling devices configured to emit different types of audio signals. The two or more audio signalling devices may be capable of being selectively activated when the at least one container of produce is within and outside the desired weight range. [0034] In other embodiments, the signal generator may include at least one visual signalling device for generating the at least one visual signal. The visual signal may preferably be a light, and the at least one visual signalling device may preferably be a light source, such as, e.g., a light-emitting diode ("LED"). For example, the visual signal may include one or more flashing lights, constant lights or coloured lights or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the signal generator may generate a green light for when the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range and a red light for when the at least one container of produce is outside the desired weight range, for example. Preferably, the at least one visual signalling device may be in the form of one or more LEDs capable of emitting light in different colours. [0035] In preferred embodiments, the signal generator may include both the at least one audio signalling device capable of emitting one or more types of audio signal, such as, e.g., a buzz, a beep, a siren or the like, or any combination thereof, and the at least one visual signalling device in the form of one or more LEDs capable of emitting light or lights in different colours. [0036] Preferably, the signal generator may be adjustable to allow a user to control the type of signal or signals generated when the at least one container of produce is within and outside the desired weight range. [0037] For example, in one embodiment, the signal generator may generate a visual signal in the form of a green light when the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range, and may generate a visual signal in the form of a red light together with at least one audio signal in the form of a buzz, a beep, a siren or the like, or any combination thereof when the at least one container of produce is outside of the desired weight range. [0038] For example, in another embodiment, the signal generator may generate a visual signal in the form of a green light together with at least one audio signal in the form of a buzz, a 7 beep, a siren or the like, or any combination thereof when the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range, and may generate a visual signal in the form of a red light when the at least one container of produce is outside of the desired weight range. [0039] The signal generator may preferably be operatively connected to the at least one load cell load via an electrical circuit. [0040] The weighing scale may also preferably include a display operatively connected to the at least one load cell for viewing measurements. The display may be of any suitable form and configuration and may be located in any suitable location in or on the body of the scale. [0041] Typically, the display may be located at a side of the body of the scale. [0042] The display may be a liquid-crystal display ("LCD") or plasma display, preferably LCD. [0043] The weighing scale may include a controller or control panel operatively connected to the at least one load cell, signal generator and other electrical components of the scale, preferably by the electrical circuit. The controller or control panel may be associated with the display. [0044] In some embodiments, the controller, control panel and/or display may include a touchscreen to allow a user to interact with the scale and control various aspects of functionality of the scale. [0045] In preferred embodiments, the weighing scale may include a keypad or touchpad associated with the display and including one or more keys or buttons for controlling the various aspects of functionality of the scale. The keypad or touchpad, like with the display, may be located in or on the body (housing) of the scale, preferably at a side of the body of the scale. [0046] In preferred embodiments, the signal generator may at least be partially associated with the display for displaying the at least one visual signal. For example, the signal generator may generate a visual signal in the form of a coloured light illuminating or back lighting the display in that colour when the at least one container of produce is within and/or outside the desired weight range. For example, the display may be illuminated or backlit green when the at least one container is within the desired weight range and red when the at least one container is 8 outside the desired weight range, such as, e.g., lower and/or higher than the desired weight range. [0047] As with the signal generator, the display and the keypad or touchpad may be operatively connected to the at least one load cell via the electrical circuit operatively connecting the signal generator with the at least one load cell. [0048] The weighing scale may preferably further include at least one amplifier for amplifying an output electrical signal from the at least one load cell. The at least one amplifier may be operatively connected to the at least one load cell via the electrical circuit. [0049] The weighing scale may preferably further include an analog-to-digital converter for converting an amplified output electrical signal from the at least one amplifier from an analog signal to a digital signal. The analog-to-digital converter may be operatively connected to the at least one amplifier via the electrical circuit. [0050] The weighing scale may preferably further include a microcomputer, including one or more processors and a memory, for receiving and processing the digital signal from the analog-to-digital converter, calculating the weight of the at least one container of produce, determining whether the weight calculated falls within or outside of a desired weight range and/or activating the signal generator based on said determining. The microcomputer may further output the weight calculated on the display. Again, the microcomputer may be operatively connected to the analog-to-digital converter, the signal generator and/or the display via the electrical circuit. [0051] The memory of the microcomputer may preferably store one or more operating programs and/or data, such as, e.g., calibration data, desired weight range data for one or more particular container sizes and/or measurement data. The memory may include one or more operating programs commonly found in conventional digital weighing scales, for example. [0052] The weighing scale may preferably include a power source. The power source may include an on-board power source, such as, e.g., one or more batteries, and/or may receive power from an external source. [0053] The weighing scale may include a communications module for connecting the scale to an external device, such as, e.g., an external processing device (e.g., computer, tablet, smart phone, smart watch or PDA), an external display, a printer or a storage device (e.g., a hard 9 drive). The scale may be connected to an external device in any suitable way. [0054] For example, the communication module may be in the form of a port or access point (e.g., a USB or a mini-USB port) such that the weighing scale may be connected to an external device using a suitable cable. [0055] For example, the communication module may be in the form of a wireless communication module, such as, e.g., a wireless network interface controller, such that the weighing scale may wirelessly connect to an external device through a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi (WLAN) communication, RF communication, infrared communication, or BluetoothTM). [0056] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining the weight of at least container of produce, said method including: weighing the at least one container of produce with the weighing scale according to the first aspect. [0057] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining whether the weight of at least one container of produce falls within a desired weight range, said method including: weighing the at least one container of produce with the weighing scale according to the first aspect; and optionally, adding or removing produce from the container, based on said weighing, until the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range. [0058] The methods may include one or more characteristics of the weighing scale as hereinbefore described. [0059] The methods may include an initial step of calibrating the weighing scale. The calibrating may be undertaken by any suitably way known in the art. Typically, the calibrating may include zeroing the weighing scale, preferably with the weighing body attached, and then using the weighing scale with one or more weights of known value/weight. [0060] The calibrating may further include storing calibrating data in the memory of the microcomputer of the scale. [0061] The method may further include a step of programming the weighing scale with a desired weight range for one or more particular container sizes. For example, the weighing 10 scale may be programmed for a 250g container with a minimum desired weight of 250g and a maximum desired weight of 295g. The programming may further include storing desired weight range data in the memory of the microcomputer of the scale. [0062] In some embodiments, the desired weight ranges programmed for particular container sizes may be assigned or allotted to keys or buttons on the keypad or touchpad of the weighing scale. For example, a first button or key may be assigned to 250g containers with a desired weight range of between 250g and 295g whereas a second button or key may be assigned to 500g containers with a desired weight range of between 500g and 550g. In use, a user may select the button or key assigned to the particular container size prior to weighing the container. [0063] In other embodiments, the weighing scale may be able to automatically determine the particular container size and apply the desired weight range for that particular container size. The weighing scale may be able to automatically determine the particular container size based on the container's weight and said programming of the weighing scale with desired weight ranges for one or more particular container sizes. [0064] The weighing may include a step of weighing an empty at least one container to determine a tare weight for the at least one container of produce. The user may select or press a tare button or key on the keypad or touchpad of the scale to zero the scale. [0065] The weighing may further include placing the at least one container of produce in or atop of the weighing body of the scale. [0066] Based on said weighing, the weighing scale may generate at least one signal when the at least one container of produce is within and/or outside of the desired weight range, preferably the desired weight range for the particular container size. [0067] In one embodiment, the weighing scale may generate at least one audio signal as previously described when the at least one container of produce is within and/or outside of the desired weight range. In another embodiment, the weighing scale may generate at least one visual signal (other than a visual number readout) as previously described when the at least one container of produce is within and/or outside of the desired weight range. [0068] In preferred embodiments, the weighing scale may generate at least one visual signal and/or at least one audio signal, both as previously described, when the at least one 11 container of produce is within and/or outside of the desired weight range. [0069] For example, the display of the weighing scale may be illuminated or back lit with a green light when the weight of the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range, and the display may be illuminated or back lit with a red light together with at least one audio signal in the form of a buzz, a beep, a siren or the like, or any combination thereof when the weight of the at least one container of produce is outside the desired weight range, preferably higher than the desired weight range. [0070] For example, the display of the weighing scale may be illuminated or back lit with a green light together with at least one audio signal in the form of a buzz, a beep, a siren or the like, or any combination thereof when the weight of the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range, and the display may be illuminated or back lit with a red light when the weight of the at least one container of produce is outside the desired weight range, preferably higher than the desired weight range. [0071] Based on said weighing and/or any said at least one signal generated by the weighing scale, a user may optionally add or remove produce from the at least one container until the weight of the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range. [0072] The method may include a further step of repeating said weighing and/or said adding or removing until the weight of the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range. [0073] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0074] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0075] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will 12 make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0076] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a weighing scale including a weighing base according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0077] Figure 2A is a perspective view of part of the weighing scale shown in Figure 1 with the weighing base removed; [0078] Figure 2B is a perspective view of an underside of the weighing base shown in Figure 1; and [0079] Figure 3 is a flow chart showing steps in a method of using the weighing scale shown in Figure 1 in determining whether the weight of a least one container of produce is within and/or outside of a desired weight range according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0080] Figure 1 shows a weighing scale (100) having a body (110) and a pan (120; i.e., weighing base) according to an embodiment of the present invention for weighing a container of produce and generating signals when the container is within and higher than a desired weight range for the container. [0081] The body (110) has a bottom (112), a top (113), opposed sides (114), a control and viewing surface (116) and an opposed rear surface (118). [0082] The body (110) houses a load cell for determining the weight of the container of produce and a signal generator operatively associated with the load cell via an electrical circuit for generating signals when the container of produce is within and higher than the desired weight range. The signal generator is in the form of at least one light-emitting diode ("LED") capable of emitting both green and red light signals and a beeper capable of emitting one or more audible beep signals. [0083] The control and viewing surface (116) of the body (110) includes a display (130) in the form of a liquid-crystal display ("LCD") for viewing measurements and a touchpad control (140), including eight buttons (142), for controlling various aspects of functionality of the scale (100). The display (130) and touchpad (140) are also operatively connected to the load cell via 13 the electrical circuit operatively connecting the signal generator and the load cell. [0084] The LED of the signal generator is associated with the display (130) for backlighting the display (130) in the colour green when a container of produce is within the desired weight range, and in the colour red when the container of produce is higher than the desired weight range. [0085] As shown in Figure 1, the pan (120) detachably sits or is located/positioned atop the body (110) of the scale (100) and is configured to support a container of produce and act on the load cell to determine the weight for the container. [0086] The pan (120) is in the form of a plate (122) including an upper surface (124) on which the container of produce can rest and an opposed lower surface (126; shown in Figure 2B only) configured to act on the load cell. [0087] The upper surface (124) of the plate (122) includes a centrally located depression (125) configured to, in use, at least partially assist in preventing the container of produce from inadvertently falling off the pan (120). [0088] Referring to Figure 2A, the top (113) of the body (110) includes four openings (210) sized and shaped to allow a lower surface (126; shown in Figure 2B) of the plate (122) (shown in Figure 2B) to act on the load cell via a pan seat (220; i.e., weighing base seat). The four openings (210) are each defined and located in or near a corner of the top (113) of the body (110). [0089] Referring to Figure 2B, the lower surface (126) of the plate (122) includes four legs (230) configured to, in use, each extend through an opening (210; shown in Figure 2A) in the top (113; shown in Figure 2A) and support the pan (120) on the pan seat (220; shown in Figure 2A). [0090] Referring to both Figures 2A and 2B, each leg (230) and the pan seat (220) are connectable to at least partially assist in stabilizing the pan (120) relative to the body (110) of the scale (100). An end of each leg (230) includes male formation (232) configured to be inserted into or coupled with a female formation (222) associated with the pan seat (220). [0091] Referring to Figure 2A alone, the pan seat (220) extends beneath the top (113) of the body (110) and is operatively associated with a centrally positioned load receiving end of 14 the load cell positioned beneath the pan seat (220). Another end of the load cell is attached to a base at or near the bottom (112) of the body (110) of the scale (100). [0092] Referring back to Figure 1, in use when a container of produce is placed atop the pan (120), the weight of the container is substantially equally transmitted via the legs (230; shown in Figure 2B only) of the pan (120) to the pan seat (220; shown in Figure 2A only), which then acts on the load cell to allow the weight of the container to be determined based on the degree of deformation of the load cell. Deformation of the load cell results in an output electrical signal from the load cell. [0093] The body (110) further houses: an amplifier for amplifying the output electrical signal from the load cell; an analog-to-digital converter for converting the amplified output electrical signal from the amplifier to a digital signal; and a microcomputer, including one or more processors and a memory. The microcomputer receives and processes the digital signal from the analog-to-digital converter, calculates the weight of the container of produce, determines whether the weight calculated falls within or is greater than a desired weight range and activates the signal generator based on the weighing. The microcomputer further outputs the weight calculated to the display (130). The amplifier, the analog-to-digital converter and the microcomputer are operatively connected to the load cell, the signal generator, the display (130) and the touchpad (140) via the electrical circuit. [0094] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the body (110) of the scale (100) will further include a power source for powering the load cell, the signal generator (i.e., the at least one LED and the beeper), the display (130), the touchpad (140), the amplifier, the analog-to digital converter and the microcomputer. The power source can be in the form of one or more batteries and/or an input jack for receiving power from an external source. [0095] A method (300) of using the weighing scale (100) shown in Figure 1 is now described in detail with reference to Figure 3. [0096] As an optional initial step, the method (300) can include an initial step of calibrating the weighing scale (100). Calibrating the weighing scale (100) includes zeroing the weighing scale (100) with the pan (120) attached and then using the scale (100) to determine the weight of one or more known test weights. [0097] The method (300) can include another initial step of programming the scale (100) 15 with desired weight ranges for one or more particular container sizes. [0098] For example, in one embodiment, the weighing scale (100) can be programmed for a 250g container with a desired weight range of between 250g and 295g, a 450g container with a desired weight range of between 450g and 495g, a 500g container with a desired weight range of between 500g and 550g, a 850g container with a desired weight range of between 850g and 895g and/or a 1000g container with a desired weight range of between 1000g and 1050g. [0099] In another embodiment, the programming can include programming the scale (100) with desired weight ranges and tare weights for one or more particular container sizes. For examples, the weighing scale (100) can be programmed for a 250g container with a desired weight range of between 270g and 285g with a tare weight of 18g, a 500g container with a desired weight range of between 530g and 550g with a tare weight of 40g, a 400g container with a desired weight range of between 430g and 450g with a tare weight of 36g, an 850g container with a desired weight range of between 875g and 885g with a tare weight of 45g and a 1OOOg container with a desired weight range of between 1 120g and 1130g with a tare weight of 55g. [00100] In yet another embodiment, the programming can include programming the scale (100) with simply a desired gross weight, such as, e.g., 250g for a 250g container. [00101] In one embodiment, the programming can include assigning or allotting the desired weight ranges for the one or more particular container sizes to buttons (142) of the touchpad (140). In use, a user can then select the button (142) assigned to a particular container size prior to weighing the container. [00102] In another embodiment, the weighing scale (100) can determine a particular container size and apply the desired weight range for that particular container size based on the container's weight and the programming of the scale (100) with desired weight ranges for one or more particular container sizes. [00103] At step 310, the container of produce is weighed by the weighing scale (100). The weighing can include an initial step of weighing an empty container of a particular size to determine a tare weight for the container. Once the empty container has been placed atop the pan (120) and the scale (100) has determined the weight of the empty container, a user can select the tare button (142a) to zero the scale (100) in preparation for weighing a container of 16 the same particular size containing produce. [00104] The weighing includes placing the container of produce atop the pan (120). The weighing, in some embodiments, can include selecting a button (142) assigned to the particular container size. [00105] The weighing further includes outputting the weight calculated for the container of produce on the display (130). [00106] At step 312, the signal generator of the weighing scale (100) can generate a signal when the container is within or higher than a desired weight range for the particular container size. [00107] Based on said weighing, the LED of the signal generator of the scale (100) can backlight the display (130) green and the beeper of the signal generator can emit two audible beep signals, if the container weighed is within the desired weight range for that particular container size. [00108] If the container weighed is higher than the desired weight range for that particular container size, the LED of the signal generator of the scale (100) can backlight the display (130) red. [00109] If the container weighed is lower than the desired weight range for that particular container size, the signal generator is not activated. [00110] At step 314, the method (300) is finished if the container weighed is within the desired weight range for that particular container size. [00111] At step 316, the method (300) includes adding or removing produce from the container weighed, if the weight of the container is respectively lower or higher than the desired weight range for the particular container size. [00112] At step 318, the method (300) further includes repeating steps 310 and 312 until the container of produce is within the desired weight range for that particular container size. [00113] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

17 [00114] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [00115] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A weighing scale for measuring the weight of a load, said scale including: at least one load cell; a weighing base on which the load can rest and configured to act on the at least one load cell; and a signal generator operatively connected to the at least one load cell and capable of generating at least one signal other than a visual number readout when the load is within and/or outside of a desired weight range.

2. The weighing scale of claim 1, wherein the signal generator is capable of emitting at least one audio signal and/or at least one visual signal other than a visual number readout when the load is within and/or outside of the desired weight range.

3. The weighing scale of claim 2, wherein the signal generator is capable of emitting at least one audio signal and at least one visual signal other than a visual number readout when the load is within the desired weight range, and at least one visual signal other than a visual number readout when the load is outside the desired weight range.

4. The weighing scale of claim 2, wherein the signal generator is capable of emitting at least one visual signal other than a visual number readout when the load is within the desired weight range, and at least one visual signal other than a visual number readout and at least one audio signal when the load is outside of the desired weight range.

5. A method of determining whether the weight of at least one container of produce falls within a desired weight range, said method including: weighing the at least one container of produce with the weighing scale according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and optionally, adding or removing produce from the container, based on said weighing, until the at least one container of produce is within the desired weight range. Date: 17 April 2015