CA1265540A - Weighing indicator - Google Patents
Weighing indicatorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1265540A CA1265540A CA000475309A CA475309A CA1265540A CA 1265540 A CA1265540 A CA 1265540A CA 000475309 A CA000475309 A CA 000475309A CA 475309 A CA475309 A CA 475309A CA 1265540 A CA1265540 A CA 1265540A
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- Prior art keywords
- weighing
- groupwise
- indicators
- value
- arrangement
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A weighing indicator, especially for tare compensated balances, is described, by which the indicators, preferably light indicators, associated with the single weighing values are posi-tioned groupwise associated with each other. A number of pos-sible configurations hereof are described. In more detail thus an embodiment is described where the weight indication is pro-vided by means of a row or series of lamps, light emitting diodes or other sort of optical signalling means positioned in a Z-shaped configuration or array and whereby a preferably progres-sively sequence-coursed weight-size-indication is associated with the single signalling means. In such case most advantageously the weight-size-indication, which corresponds to the weighing value being aimed at, is associated with the signalling means positioned nearmost to the midpoint of the stem of the Z-shape.
Further embodiments hereof are described, just as also a group-wise arrangement of the signalling means within the Z-shape. The Z-shape though is only one of many possible configurations.
A weighing indicator, especially for tare compensated balances, is described, by which the indicators, preferably light indicators, associated with the single weighing values are posi-tioned groupwise associated with each other. A number of pos-sible configurations hereof are described. In more detail thus an embodiment is described where the weight indication is pro-vided by means of a row or series of lamps, light emitting diodes or other sort of optical signalling means positioned in a Z-shaped configuration or array and whereby a preferably progres-sively sequence-coursed weight-size-indication is associated with the single signalling means. In such case most advantageously the weight-size-indication, which corresponds to the weighing value being aimed at, is associated with the signalling means positioned nearmost to the midpoint of the stem of the Z-shape.
Further embodiments hereof are described, just as also a group-wise arrangement of the signalling means within the Z-shape. The Z-shape though is only one of many possible configurations.
Description
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The present invention rela-tes to weighing displays, especially for tare compensa~ed balances.
When weighing today, balances mainly present embodiments where weights are indicated by means of a mechanically or electrically controlled arrow or drum shaped pointing means. These pointing means are associated with division markings adapted to the weighing units to be indicated.
other balances have displays for the weighing units, which displays comprise digit displaying indicators which dlrectly display the measured weights in units adaptable to the purpose.
Furthermore, balances are employed for weighing articles or objects the desired weight of which is predetermined.
For example, the purpose may be to obtain a test weighing of an ob~ect. ~lternatively the purpose may be to deduct the weight of a package for the ob;ect. In this case the weight after deduction of the package weight is displayed i.e. only the difference in weight between the weighed ob~ect and the package weight is displayed~ This then gives the net weights of the ob;ects within the packages. Embodiments of the present invention are particularly advantageous when employed in association with such tare compensated balances. The present invention also lends itself to be employed at balances without tare compensation.
The present invention provides a weighing display whlch enables an operator using a related welghing balance to read the indicator more quickly and also with sufficient accuracy to enable compliance with such standards as,to accuracy as may be required.
Such requirements are of particular importance when carrying out a repetitive series of weighings. For example, this may be required when repetitively weighlng industrially prepared ob~ects either at their place of manufacture or subsequently in -- 1 -- -~, b.~
~2~
relation to controlling the weights of already manufactured products. When an operator is carrying out repetitive weighing operations, it can be strenuous to follow the deElections of a pointer associated with a graduated scale. In this situation it is also strenuous, even though lt is practically easier to read digitally displayed weighing values when these are displayed in rapid succession.
The present invention also provides a weighing display with indicators which are readily and speedily observed without causing strain to the operator when used with balances for repetitive weighing operations. The individual indicators may be for example luminous or other optical indicators.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a weighing display, comprising indicators each having an associated weighing value in~ormation, sald indicators being positioned in a plurality of groupwise arrangements each visually d1stinguishable from each other groupwise arrangement in an indicator configuration, in which the groupwise arrangements include one said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below a target weighing value and another said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values above said target weighing value, and wherein the arrangement is such as to visually indicate to the operator whether additional weight is to be subtracted or added when it is desired to ad~ust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and wherein the complete configuration of said indicators exhibit a bent coursed or bent coursed like configuration including at least two such inverted or substantially lnverted oriented respectively in more equal and/or in more different dlrections oriented such bends.
Suitably groupwise associated arrangements of indicators wlthin the common course of the configuration are posltioned in spaced relatlonship and said spaced relationship exhibltlng a step-like-coursed configuratlon or appearance. Deslrably the indicator configuration respectively is such that the indicator ~ 265S4~
configuration includes further groupwise arrangements of said indicators which are arranged in a dlrection crossing configuration formed by aforesaid groupwise arrangements, and wherein such further groupwise arrangements provide an accuracy indication, respectively a proximity indlcatlon, of the degree of proximity with which the central or target weighing value has been approached.
According to the present invention the indicators, preferably llght indlcators, associated with the slngle weighlng values are posltioned associated groupwise wlth each other ana exhibit a bent course or bent-like course configuratlon comprising at least two bends whereby the single mutually assoclated groups are positioned ln spaced relationship comprising spaced relationships wlth a steplike-displaced-course-configuration.
Light indicators may thus be light emitting diodes or other kinds of optically indicating means, such as drum comprising flashing devices or the like of f.i. a single light signal source belng able at different places to convey a visual information. The groupwise association to each other may be of various kinds though of such a kind that the association enables especially an easily carrying out of distinguishing between f.i.
weighing values being present at different sides of a weight value being aimed at, i.e. that the groupwise division may be associated with f.i. the size of the divergence from the weight value being aimed at, but it might also be associated with the fastness of response of the weighlng equipment to produce a correct indication of the weight, but it might also present an association with the speed whereby the material to be welghed arrives for weighing, f.i. in case of weighing out individual amounts of a material, each comprising an individual amount of single items or each comprising an individual portion of material arriving in pulverized condition~ etc.
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In onP embodiment of the present invention the groupwise associated indicators are symmetrically associated, f.i. around a wanted value being aimed at, geometrically are symmetrically arranged in proportlon to the indlcator or the indicator group serving to indicate thls weighing value, such as within opposite branches of one geometrical configuration, as f.i. in the branches of a U-shape or within the sides or side surfaces which belong to a within a plane or surface comprised straight-lined, circle-shape, curved-coursed or zig-zag-coursed figure respectively configuration to a polygon or to a spatial polygonal figure. Suitably the groupwise assoc1ated indlcators the association is given by the s~ze of the deviation of the weighing value from the neighbor weighing value indicators, and which size of deviation is a function of the size of the welghing value associated with the single indicators. Desirably the groupwise association also is presented ln that the balance-building-up time of weighing associated with the single indicators mainly is proportional with the sizes of weight-steps to the indicators for the neiyhbor weighing value, and in that a groupwise divisioning is provided within this proportionality range.
In a further embodiment of the present invention at the presence of activation of an indicator (lndlcators) for the weighlng value belonglng to groups indicatlng a certain least deviation of welghing value from the weighing value being aimed at, preferably immediately, after complete termination of a weighing equipment, and/or the weighted item has been removed from the scale, a time delay device is activated, which switches the equipment off for a duratlon of time that ls ad~ustable from a particular control locatlon or partlcular control means.
Another manner of arrangements within the family of indicator configurations according to the invention and by which a more precise indication of the weighing result respectively of the accuracy attained over a series of welghlng operatlons ~6~40 alternatively may be illustrated to the operator ls to be achieved when for instance the indicator configuration includes further groupwise arrangements of said indicators which are arranged in a direction crossing configuration formed by th0 aforesaid groupwise arrangements. A direction crossing configuration can thus be understood as composed of two L-shaped configurations of indicators, by which for instance the long branch of the L-shape then is associated with coarse-lndlcation while the short branch of the L-shape ls associated wlth fine-indication or with any other suited form of lndication of accuracy or of degree of proximity with whlch a central or target weighing value has been approached. Thus, the two L-shaped configurations are being positioned with their bends or ~knees"
laying close to each other or ~above each other~. This manner of arrangements within the family of indicator configuratlons accordlng to the invention exhibits a much more easily read operatlve indication than hitherto.
These arrangements are thus achievable by means the indicator configuration including further groupwlse arrangements of said indicators which are arranged in a direction crossing configuration formed by aforesaid groupwise arrangements and wherein such further groupwise arrangements provide an accuracy indication, respectively a proximity lndication, of the degree of proximity with which the central or target weighing value has been approached.
According hereto, groupwise association of the indicators may be attained in the way that more direction crossing configurations, i.e. ln more di~ections geometrlcally crossing configurations of lndicators, may be present, through whlch, these crosslng directlons serve to indicate attained average value and/or attained standard deviatlon over a series of weighing operations, by means of which, the operator is enabled to follow his practical weighing result and to control his weighing average during a day's work, or, what may be even more ~2 6 5~
essential, serve to support psychologlcally the stability and steadfastness with which th welghing operations are carried out by the operator while the work is done. Thus, a feed back is stead~ly present indicatlng what is well done and what, due for lnstance to another quality of the weighed goods, is being carried out in this case as compared to the first well done, etc.
Further applications hereof including (more) lndicator groups for accuracy of proximity indications are for instance such shapes of indicator configuration as those of E- or K-shapes and in which the w- and N-shapes are derived shapes, subsldiary also in spatial configurations. A derived shape is thus the Z-shape where the mld-stem is divided into two, perhaps equally long, stem-lengths which each are turned for instance 90 in relation to the general course of the mid-stem of the Z-conflguratlon, and where the mld-portion of the stem exhibits a "rest-length" which also in direction for instance has been turned 90. By means hereof a configuration exhiblting similar properties has been achieved.
In a particular aspect thereof there is provided a weighing display comprising indicators each having an associated weighing value, said indicators being positloned in a plurality of groupwlse arrangements each visually distinguishable from each other groupwise arrangement in an indicator configuration, wherein said groupwise arrangements include one said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below a target with welghing values above said target weighing value, and wherein the arrangement is such as to visually indicate to the operator whether additional weight is to be subtracted or added when it is desired to ad~ust the weight measllred to said target weighing value, and whereirl said indicator configuration is a W-shaped configuratlon or an R-shaped configuration of an E-shaped configuration or an N-shaped configuratlon or a Z-shapad configuration or a staircase-like configuration of groupwise arrangements having a plurality of groupwise arrangements ~s~
arranged physically above and below said targe-t weighing value.
In the preferred embodiments the weighing indicators may thus be light emitting diodes or other kinds of optically indicating means. An example is provided by a s~ngle light signal source associated with means by which separate indlcators at different places are illuminated when required to convey weighing information in visual form.
The groupwise arrangement of the welghing indlcators, that is the relation of the weighing values one to another of indicators in a given arrangement, may be of various kinds. The overriding criteria is that the groupwise arrangement enables an operator using the weighing display in associatlon with a weighing balance to readily distinguish between the weighin~
results in a repetitive situation. By way of example, the operator is readily able to distinguish results above or below a target weighing value. By way of example, the relatlonship of indlcators ln a groupwise arrangement may be associated with the degree of the divergence of the measured weighing value from a target weighing value. Alternatively, this relationship may be related to the speed of response of the weighing equlpment to produce a correct indication of the weight. Yet alternatively the relationship may be related to the speed with which the material (to be weighed) arrives for weighing. An embodiment of such a weighing display has particular application when weighing out a specified weight of a materlal, where weight will comprise a given number of single items or such weight will comprise a given quantity of a material whlch is supplied in a pulverized or granular form.
In one embodiment oE the weighing display according to the present invention said one groupwise arrangement is located or extends below said target weighing value such that when activated indicators in this arrangement are physically below ~2~5~0 said target weighlng value whereby by virtue of their location they enhance the visual prompt to the operator to increase the weight being measured, and similarly sald another groupwise arrangement is located or extends above said target weighing value such that when activated indicators ln this arrangement are physically above said target weighing value whereby vlrtue of their locatlon they enhance the visual prompt to the operator to reduce the weight being measured. Suitably the display further comprises visual designations associated with said one and said another groupwise arrangements, said visual designation associated with said one groupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the operator to add weight in order to ad~ust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and sald visual designation associated with said another groupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the operator to subtract weight in order to ad~ust the weight measured to said target weighing value. Desirably said target weighing value is associated with a said weighing indicator arranged in said configuration between said one groupwise arrangement and said another groupwise arrangement. Suitably said a further groupwise arrangement comprises a said lndicator associated with said target weighing value and designated the target weighing value, and wherein each of said groupwise arrangements comprise a plurallty of said indicators.
Further groupwise arrangements of indicators are included in the embodiment in which the display further comprising groupwise arrangements of said further groupwise arrangements provide an indication of the proximity arrangements provide an indication of the proxim:Lty of attained weighing value to the target weighing value over a series of weighing operations. Suitably said indicators in said further groupwise arrangements indicate said proximity of the attained weighlng value to the target weighing value by indicating a resultant derived from weighing values obtained over a series of weighing operations, and wherein said resultant may be selected from one ~2~S~
of several forms, said several forms including the average value of said weighing values and the standard deviation of said weighing values from a target weighing value.
According to a preferred embodiment, further groupwise arrangements may be arranged relative to a central point. The further groupwise arrangements serve to indicate an attained average value andior an attained standard devlation for a certain number of weighing operations. This preferred embodiment enables a user/operator of the equipment to follow the practical weighlng accuracy he attains. This facility can also serve as the means by which the operator readily achieves a required average or mean welght value over a given period of repetitive welghing operations, for example, throughout a day's weighing work.
Alternatively, it might be regarded as more important that this facility psychologically supports the operator in achleving a reliable performance throughout weighing operations carried out during the course of a day's work. This psychological support is apparent because the operator continuously sees a report whlch indicates that what he has done has been carried out to required standards. This support is available even when there are changes in the weighed articles. Such information presents real support when the operators are remunerated on the basls of piece-work.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention said indlcator configuratlon is a Z-shaped conflguration, the uppermost branch of the Z-shaped configuratlon including said another groupwlse arrangement assoclated with welghing values above the target weighlng value, the lowermost branch of the Z-shaped configuration including said one groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below the target weighing value.
Such a Z-shaped embodlment has the advantage that for weighing operations the operating range will usually be ln the central weighing range associated with mid-portion of the z-shape. However, the other limbs (upper and lower) facilitate _ g _ ~2655'~
visual identification of weights outside this range. In relation hereto, it is advantageous if the display of a taryet weighlng value is associated wlth the signalling means posltioned nearest to the midpoint of the stem of the z-shape. Generally, the z-shaped configuration presents an approximate symmetry for display of allowable welghts about a standardlzed average weight, for example, the desired weight of the one in a series of manufactured ob~ects. A special feature of the z-shape configuration concerns the possibility of switching of weighing values associated with the indicators. The swltching feature enables the operator to ensure that allowable deviations of weighing values may be indicated solely within the midstem of the z-shape; this feature is, in use, independent of whether the actual weighing values are distrlbuted symmetrically about the target weighing value.
The indicatlons displayed by the welghing display are further enhanced wherein the weighing indicators are coloured light indicators. By way of example the indicators of the midstem could possess a green signalling colour, whereas low or high values (associated with the two branches of the z-shape) could be indicated by means of red and yellow signalling colours respectively. If colour blindness is not a hindrance, this makes it possible to read the weighing display in use at an even larger physical distance from the display. In this way, the choice of colour exhibited by the different groupwise arrangements may be adapted to suit the local working conditions.
In relation to such embodiments, it is possible to arrange that the target weighing value is located not only at the mid-stem whereby the weighing value~ close to the target value are wholly displayed in the indicators in the stem range of the z-shape. It is possible to arrange for this acceptable range to extend into a portion of the upper and lower branches of the z-shape. The factors which govern this choice may depend, for example, on the artlcle to be weighed. As an example, the - 9a -~ 2~S~
operator may be weighing pulverized material and the size of particles may be a factor. Alternatively, another factor may be the desired tolerance of the weighing operation. The dlfferences betw~en the weighing ~alues of indicators could also exhibit a logarithmic relationship in the directions away from the midpoint of the midstem of the z-shape. In this way the usefulness of the z-shape configuration may be enhanced for a range of different weighing operations.
Visual designations are presented when display further comprises visual deslgnations associated with said one and sald another groupwise arrangements, said visual designation associated with sald one groupwise arrangement belng adapted to visually prompt the operator to add weight in order to ad~ust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and said visual designation associated wlth sald another groupwise arrangement being adapted to vlsually prompt the operator to subtract weight in order to ad~ust the weight measured to sald target weighing value. The functions of the groupwise arrangements may be enhanced and their prompt to the user made clearer by means of the visual designations (associated text) which may comprise a minus sign at an upper groupwlse arrangement and a plus sign at a lower groupwise arrangement. At first sight thls appears to be illoglcal. However, for the operator who is using such a weighing indicator it is advantageous. In the example of the z-shape configuration, the user may mentally associate the z-shape indicator configuration with a weighing balance of the two-pan type. When one pan is lowered too much weight is present within this pan and some weight has to be removed. It will be seen that the positioning of the visual indications is not illogical. The operator even without making an emblematic perception of the z-shape as a weighlng balance is able to perceive the lower branch visual indication which prompts hlm that he must increase the material to obtain a target weight. ThiS means that simultaneously the operator is receiving two emblematic perceptions of the weighing value and that these two perceptions - 9b -are independent of each other.
It may also be stated that the embod~ments of weighing displays herein exhibit the supplementary advantage that in use they may be better adapted to different operating conditions and environments. Such factors may include the posslbllity of ad~usting to different distributions the intervals between the weighing values within the indicator configuration. This advantage cannot be attained with a weighing display which solely employs digital indicators. Nor, can it be attained ln a readily observable manner with weighing displays which employ graduated scale markings, even though with graduated scale markings more than one set may be present, this does not enhance the visual distinctlons for the operator.
In another embodiment of the present invention the weighing values assoclated with the indicators of a groupwise arrangement differ by a discrete step, and wherein a switching arrangement is provided whereby the slze of sald discrete step may be adjusted. Swltching may be accompllshed in many ways, for example manually in, a mechanical arrangement. The switching may act directly on the control slgnals sent to the indicators/signalling means. Alternatively, switching of the control signals may be accompllshed electronically as for instance by using programmable switching under electronic or computer based controls, whereby the increments between welghing values of weighing indicators may be ad~usted.
In embodiments further groupwise indicators may be employed and may be assigned a separate $unctlon from the weighing indicators already mentioned. Thus the weighing indlcators for obtaining a weighing value from a single weighing operation may also be employed in an arrangement which includes further weighing lndicators for another secondary purpose. If, for instance, both sets of indicators, namely those for the secondary purpose and those for slmple weighing, are of an - 9c -~2 ~ 5 5~
electronic nature, then both of the indicatlons can be produced electronically practically simultaneously. Such indications may be derived from a common means (electronic weighing balance), which as a source of electronic signals generates the necessary indicator control signals for the two sets of indicators. In this instance, only the signal building-up tlme (a feature of electronic weighing balance) introduces a time delay. This time delay may result fo~m electronic integration within the balance or the sampling time required for digitalization. Taking the use of the weighing display into consideratlon, it ~ust may be appropriate to adapt the weighing display such that the groupwise arrangements of indicators for displaying weighing values possess a faster integration (build-up) time than the groupwise arrangements of indicators for a secondary purpose whlch secondary purpose may include the display oE the weighlng value at a digital display panel. This would allow for the dlgital display panel to present a slowly changing resulting display of the digits in advance of a possible change to the physical quantity of the weighed material which may be requlred according to the weighing result. This affords an advantage for the reason that within an initial time span the user perceives a clear impression of the weighed value and possibly gets more time to memorize the original digits having been shown OA the digital display. Then when the change to the physical quantity is initiated and carried out in response to the visual display of the embodiments of the weighing display, the operator is able to react more quickly because this welghing display ls faster to respond.
For thls reason, the response time of the indicators is ad~ustable in a stepwise manner along the indicator configuration in whlch response tlmes are ad~ustable.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provlded a weighing display comprislng indicators each having an associated weighlng value, said indicators being - 9d -~ 2 6 5 ~
positioned in a plurality of groupwise arrangements each visually distinguishable from each other groupwise arrangement in an indicator configuration, wherein sald groupwise arrangements include one said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below a target welghin~ value and another said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values above said target weighing values, and wherein the arrangement is such as to visually lndicate to the operator whether additional weight is to be subtracted or added when it is desired to ad~ust the weight.
measured to said target weighing value, and wherein there are provided further groupwise arrangements of said indlcators which are arranged in a direc~ion crossing the configuration formed by aforesaid groupwise arrangements, and wherein the indicators in said further groupwise arrangements provide an indication of the proximity of an attained weighing value to the target weighlng value over a serles of weighing operations.
In one embodiment of the present invention said indicators in said further groupwise arrangements indicate said proximity of the attained weighing value to the target weighing value by indicating a resultant derived from weighing values obtained over a series of weighing operations, and wherein said resultant may be selected from one of several forms, sald several forms including the average value of said weighing values and the standard deviation of said weighing values from a target weighing value. Suitably said target weighlng value is assoclated with a said weighing indicator arranged in said configuration between said one groupwise arrangement and said another groupwise arrangement. Desirably an additional said groupwise arrangement comprises a said indicator associated with said target weighing value and designated the target weighing value, and wherein each of said groupwise arrangements comprises a plurality of said indicators. Suitably the display further comprises visual designations associated with said one and said another groupwise arrangements, sald visual designation associated with said one yroupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the ~5S~
operator to add weight in order to ad~ust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and said visual designation associated with said another groupwise arrangement belng adapted to visually prompt the operator to subtract weight 1n order to adiust the weight measured to said target weighing value.
Preferably the weighing display is associated wlth a tare compensated balance. Desirably the weighing indicators are coloured light indicators.
lo The further groupwise arrangements are arranged in a direction crossing the configuration formed by the first mentioned groupwise arrangements. The further groupwlse arrangements serve to indicate an attained average value and/or an attained standard deviation for a certain number of welghing operations. ThiS preferred embodiment enables a userJoperator of the equipment to follow the practical welghlng accuracy he attains. This facillty can also serve as the means by which the operator readily achieves a required average or means weight value over a given period of repetitive weighing operations, for example, throughout a day's weighing work. Alternatively, it might be regarded as more important that this facility psychologically supports the operator in achieving a reliable performance throughout weighing operations carried out during the course of a day's work. This psychological support is apparent because the operator continuously sees a report which indicates that what he has done has been carried out to required standards.
This support is available even when there are changes in the weighed articles. Such informatlon presents real support when the operators are remunerated on the basis of piece-work.
The unctions of the groupwise arrangements may be enhanced and their prompt to the user made clearer by means of the visual designations ~associated text) whlch may comprise a mlnus sign at an upper groupwlse arrangement and a plus sign at a lower groupwise arrangement. At first sight this appears to be illogical. However, for the operator who is using such a .
~265540 weighing indicator lt is advan-tageous. The user may mentally associate the indlcator configuration w1th a weighing balance of the two~pan type. When one pan is lowered too much weight is present wlthin this pand and some weight has to be removed. It will be seen that the positioning of the visual indications is not illogical. The operator even without making an emblematic perception of the display as a weighing balance ls able to perceive the lower branch visual indicat~on which prompts him that he must increase the material to obtain a target weight.
This means that simultaneously the operator is recelvlng two emblematlc perceptlons of the weighing value and that these two perceptions are independent of each other.
_ 9g _ ~s~
Embodiments of ~he present invention will now be described in ~ore detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-~ig 1 illustrates a weighing display whichfalls outside the scope of the appended claims;
Figs 2 to 5 illustrate embodiments of weighing displays according to the present invention;
Fig 6 shows another embodiment according to the present invention;
Fig 7 shows a weighing display for use with the embodiment of Fig. 8; but which per se falls outside the scope of the appended claims;
Fig 8 illustrates another embodiment with a spatial arrangement of indicators according to the present invention:
Fig 9 illustrates a modification of the weighing display of Fig 6; this modification falls outside the scope of the appended claims;
Fig 10 illustrates in perspective view a weighing indicator according to the present invention arranged in connection with a balance being able to perform tare compensation and being programmable and comprising digitized weight indicating display feature, and showing a weight read-out and the weighing process programmable unit positioned within a box 117, and Fig 11 illustrates a more specific execution of the embodiment according to Fig 10, namely a unitary Eront plate including knobs and read-out means to be positioned in a box 117 according to Fig 10.
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Figs 2 to 6 of the drawing show weighing displays with different configurations of indicators in groupwise ~265~
-- 11 ~
arrangements according to embodiments of the present inYention. These configurations lend themselves to be further combined. One such combination i5 illustrated by the embodiment of Fig 8 of the drawing.
Fig 1 of the drawing illustrates a weiyhing display with a U-shaped confiyuration of indicators which is not included within the scope of the appended claims. These may be light indicators. Each light indicator relates to a definite, indicated weighing value. Grouping of indicators is indicated by means of oblique strokes, in which a pair of strokes are arranged closer to each other than to the neighbouring pair(s). Each obliquely positioned arrangement of light indicators then designates a definite weighing range. The arrangements of weighing ranges may also be divided according to their response time. For example, arrangements with a slower response may be positioned at the outer ends of the U-shape. But, an arrangement may also be presented in which the distance between the weighing values for the single light indicators within each single arrangement is larger the further out in the branches of the U-shape the light indicators are situated.
Reference 1, in Fig 1, may thus designate a specific weighing range which includes an indicator for the target weight. The branch 2 shown in Fig 1 includes indicators which relate to weighing values higher in proportionate association oÇ some or other kind in relation hereto. Likewise, branch 3 comprises indicators whose values are lower t.harl the target weight in proportionate association. ~Eter a weighing operation, the illumination oÇ a light indicator within one of the straight portions of branch 2 or 3 will inclicate that the obtained weighing value is outside the target range. It is advantageous for these indicators to be connected to time delay means which, during a pre-determined period o~ time, disables the weighing ~6~4~
equipment. This disablement enables a clear indication to be given to the user that the obtained weight value is not within the target range. This feature is useful during, for example, batch weighing. When during the weighing of a series of portions of products or material ~each nominally of a given target weight), a portion is outside the target range, then the indicators of branches 2 and 3 indicate a defective portion and initiate the aforesaid delay. In this way, the user is prompted not to do a careless weighing-out since time is then consumed be~ore the next weighing-out can be initiated. The time delay means may be arranged to be adjustable (e.g. at a remote location), and also arranged to be lockable, so that only authorised personnel may perform an adjustment.
Figs 2, 4 and 5 show embodiments of weighing displays which for purposes of description will be compared with the display of Fi9 l. Their shapes differ from that of the weighing display described with reference to Fig l.
In these configurations, branch portions 4 and 5 correspond to the straight portions of the branchés of the U-shape of Fig 1. The portions 2 and 3 correspond to the curved portions of the branches of the U-shape.
In the embodiment of Fig 4, the mid-portion of the horizontal portion of the branch of the E-shape affords an additional feature. For example, this mid-portion may designate a target working range within which there are sub groupwise arrangements of light indicator5. By way of example, these may have a ~iner graduation between indicators. In the E-shape embodiment the possibility also exists to arrange for the mid-stem to comprise an additional indicator arrangement, possessing groupwise arrangement, i.e. along the horizontal mid-branch (or mid-stem) of the E-shape. This arrangement may be selectable by means of a switch or it may be a fixed arrangement. This additional indicator ~ ~ 6 ~
arrangement may be used to lndicate the proximity of an attained value relative to a target value for a series of weiyhing opera-tions. ~his may be achieved by lndicating the average value of the attained weighing values or the standard-devlation of attained weighing values relative to a target welghing value.
this indicator arrangement may possibly also incorporate means fQr an indication as to which side (above or below) the average value the deviat~ons malnly fall. A dual simultaneous indication is possible by employing respective light lndicators for average value and devia-tion in the same groups. For example, the arrangement may include indicators of two colours, one colour may represent the average value and one colour may represent the standard deviation. Coloured indicators may also be employed to more clearly distinguish between groupwise arrangements of different kinds and of dlfferent nature.
In the embodiment a backing member for the arrangement of indicators may be provided and consist of any material. The backiny member may be in the form of the backing member of a liquid-crystal indicator arrangement. Alternatively, it may take the form of a luminous/non-luminous background such as a TV
screen or the likeO Thus is will be understood that the backing member provides supporting means for indicators arranged in the described configuration~
One may consider weighing-out of portions which comprise two ingredlents. The ingredients may first have to be weighed separately and then mixed. Alternatlvely the mixing may take place by first weighing one of the ingredlent~ and then weighing the sum of the first and the second ingredients as the latter is added. For this application, an embodiment illustrated in Fig 3 can be used. Accordingly, the two branches 2 and 3 then relate to a respective one of the weighings whereas the two branches 4 and 5 relate to the second weighing. The indlcators belonging to branches 2 and 3 may exhlbit a different colour to ~2~5~
the colour of the indlcators in the branches 4 and 5. The same applies to the groupwise arrangement wlthin the mid-range, whlch range is designated with reference numeral 11. Another possibility exists by a more sub-divided embodiment of the single groupwise arrangements of the indicators, for instance as illustrated in Fig 6. In this case a - 13a -~6~
- 14 ~
staircase-like embodiment has been selectedl but practically any other configuration might be employable.
The sub-divisioning of the groupwise arrangements exhibit a more discrete positioning of the indicators, which is nevertheless somewhat similar to that according to Figs 2 to 5. The individual groupwise arrangements of Fig 6 may each also be regarded as a symbolic representation of an arrangement shown in any one of the embodiments of Figs 2 to 5.
A further example of the combination of arrangements of light indicators is illustrated in Fig 8, which is a three-dimensional or spatial embodiment. In this ca~e, the indicators may simply be arranged in the middle of, or behind, transparent sides o~ the spatial configuration. In the embodiment of Fig 8 there is the possibility of arranging the light indicators along side edges of the individual polygonal-shaped sides. It is to be remarked that in Fig 8 a combination of the E-shaped arrangement shown in Fig 4 and the W-shaped arrangement shown in Fig 2 has been attained. The side edges 50, 51, 53, 52, 54 correspond to the branches l,
The present invention rela-tes to weighing displays, especially for tare compensa~ed balances.
When weighing today, balances mainly present embodiments where weights are indicated by means of a mechanically or electrically controlled arrow or drum shaped pointing means. These pointing means are associated with division markings adapted to the weighing units to be indicated.
other balances have displays for the weighing units, which displays comprise digit displaying indicators which dlrectly display the measured weights in units adaptable to the purpose.
Furthermore, balances are employed for weighing articles or objects the desired weight of which is predetermined.
For example, the purpose may be to obtain a test weighing of an ob~ect. ~lternatively the purpose may be to deduct the weight of a package for the ob;ect. In this case the weight after deduction of the package weight is displayed i.e. only the difference in weight between the weighed ob~ect and the package weight is displayed~ This then gives the net weights of the ob;ects within the packages. Embodiments of the present invention are particularly advantageous when employed in association with such tare compensated balances. The present invention also lends itself to be employed at balances without tare compensation.
The present invention provides a weighing display whlch enables an operator using a related welghing balance to read the indicator more quickly and also with sufficient accuracy to enable compliance with such standards as,to accuracy as may be required.
Such requirements are of particular importance when carrying out a repetitive series of weighings. For example, this may be required when repetitively weighlng industrially prepared ob~ects either at their place of manufacture or subsequently in -- 1 -- -~, b.~
~2~
relation to controlling the weights of already manufactured products. When an operator is carrying out repetitive weighing operations, it can be strenuous to follow the deElections of a pointer associated with a graduated scale. In this situation it is also strenuous, even though lt is practically easier to read digitally displayed weighing values when these are displayed in rapid succession.
The present invention also provides a weighing display with indicators which are readily and speedily observed without causing strain to the operator when used with balances for repetitive weighing operations. The individual indicators may be for example luminous or other optical indicators.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a weighing display, comprising indicators each having an associated weighing value in~ormation, sald indicators being positioned in a plurality of groupwise arrangements each visually d1stinguishable from each other groupwise arrangement in an indicator configuration, in which the groupwise arrangements include one said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below a target weighing value and another said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values above said target weighing value, and wherein the arrangement is such as to visually indicate to the operator whether additional weight is to be subtracted or added when it is desired to ad~ust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and wherein the complete configuration of said indicators exhibit a bent coursed or bent coursed like configuration including at least two such inverted or substantially lnverted oriented respectively in more equal and/or in more different dlrections oriented such bends.
Suitably groupwise associated arrangements of indicators wlthin the common course of the configuration are posltioned in spaced relatlonship and said spaced relationship exhibltlng a step-like-coursed configuratlon or appearance. Deslrably the indicator configuration respectively is such that the indicator ~ 265S4~
configuration includes further groupwise arrangements of said indicators which are arranged in a dlrection crossing configuration formed by aforesaid groupwise arrangements, and wherein such further groupwise arrangements provide an accuracy indication, respectively a proximity indlcatlon, of the degree of proximity with which the central or target weighing value has been approached.
According to the present invention the indicators, preferably llght indlcators, associated with the slngle weighlng values are posltioned associated groupwise wlth each other ana exhibit a bent course or bent-like course configuratlon comprising at least two bends whereby the single mutually assoclated groups are positioned ln spaced relationship comprising spaced relationships wlth a steplike-displaced-course-configuration.
Light indicators may thus be light emitting diodes or other kinds of optically indicating means, such as drum comprising flashing devices or the like of f.i. a single light signal source belng able at different places to convey a visual information. The groupwise association to each other may be of various kinds though of such a kind that the association enables especially an easily carrying out of distinguishing between f.i.
weighing values being present at different sides of a weight value being aimed at, i.e. that the groupwise division may be associated with f.i. the size of the divergence from the weight value being aimed at, but it might also be associated with the fastness of response of the weighlng equipment to produce a correct indication of the weight, but it might also present an association with the speed whereby the material to be welghed arrives for weighing, f.i. in case of weighing out individual amounts of a material, each comprising an individual amount of single items or each comprising an individual portion of material arriving in pulverized condition~ etc.
~2~i;S~4~
In onP embodiment of the present invention the groupwise associated indicators are symmetrically associated, f.i. around a wanted value being aimed at, geometrically are symmetrically arranged in proportlon to the indlcator or the indicator group serving to indicate thls weighing value, such as within opposite branches of one geometrical configuration, as f.i. in the branches of a U-shape or within the sides or side surfaces which belong to a within a plane or surface comprised straight-lined, circle-shape, curved-coursed or zig-zag-coursed figure respectively configuration to a polygon or to a spatial polygonal figure. Suitably the groupwise assoc1ated indlcators the association is given by the s~ze of the deviation of the weighing value from the neighbor weighing value indicators, and which size of deviation is a function of the size of the welghing value associated with the single indicators. Desirably the groupwise association also is presented ln that the balance-building-up time of weighing associated with the single indicators mainly is proportional with the sizes of weight-steps to the indicators for the neiyhbor weighing value, and in that a groupwise divisioning is provided within this proportionality range.
In a further embodiment of the present invention at the presence of activation of an indicator (lndlcators) for the weighlng value belonglng to groups indicatlng a certain least deviation of welghing value from the weighing value being aimed at, preferably immediately, after complete termination of a weighing equipment, and/or the weighted item has been removed from the scale, a time delay device is activated, which switches the equipment off for a duratlon of time that ls ad~ustable from a particular control locatlon or partlcular control means.
Another manner of arrangements within the family of indicator configurations according to the invention and by which a more precise indication of the weighing result respectively of the accuracy attained over a series of welghlng operatlons ~6~40 alternatively may be illustrated to the operator ls to be achieved when for instance the indicator configuration includes further groupwise arrangements of said indicators which are arranged in a direction crossing configuration formed by th0 aforesaid groupwise arrangements. A direction crossing configuration can thus be understood as composed of two L-shaped configurations of indicators, by which for instance the long branch of the L-shape then is associated with coarse-lndlcation while the short branch of the L-shape ls associated wlth fine-indication or with any other suited form of lndication of accuracy or of degree of proximity with whlch a central or target weighing value has been approached. Thus, the two L-shaped configurations are being positioned with their bends or ~knees"
laying close to each other or ~above each other~. This manner of arrangements within the family of indicator configuratlons accordlng to the invention exhibits a much more easily read operatlve indication than hitherto.
These arrangements are thus achievable by means the indicator configuration including further groupwlse arrangements of said indicators which are arranged in a direction crossing configuration formed by aforesaid groupwise arrangements and wherein such further groupwise arrangements provide an accuracy indication, respectively a proximity lndication, of the degree of proximity with which the central or target weighing value has been approached.
According hereto, groupwise association of the indicators may be attained in the way that more direction crossing configurations, i.e. ln more di~ections geometrlcally crossing configurations of lndicators, may be present, through whlch, these crosslng directlons serve to indicate attained average value and/or attained standard deviatlon over a series of weighing operations, by means of which, the operator is enabled to follow his practical weighing result and to control his weighing average during a day's work, or, what may be even more ~2 6 5~
essential, serve to support psychologlcally the stability and steadfastness with which th welghing operations are carried out by the operator while the work is done. Thus, a feed back is stead~ly present indicatlng what is well done and what, due for lnstance to another quality of the weighed goods, is being carried out in this case as compared to the first well done, etc.
Further applications hereof including (more) lndicator groups for accuracy of proximity indications are for instance such shapes of indicator configuration as those of E- or K-shapes and in which the w- and N-shapes are derived shapes, subsldiary also in spatial configurations. A derived shape is thus the Z-shape where the mld-stem is divided into two, perhaps equally long, stem-lengths which each are turned for instance 90 in relation to the general course of the mid-stem of the Z-conflguratlon, and where the mld-portion of the stem exhibits a "rest-length" which also in direction for instance has been turned 90. By means hereof a configuration exhiblting similar properties has been achieved.
In a particular aspect thereof there is provided a weighing display comprising indicators each having an associated weighing value, said indicators being positloned in a plurality of groupwlse arrangements each visually distinguishable from each other groupwise arrangement in an indicator configuration, wherein said groupwise arrangements include one said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below a target with welghing values above said target weighing value, and wherein the arrangement is such as to visually indicate to the operator whether additional weight is to be subtracted or added when it is desired to ad~ust the weight measllred to said target weighing value, and whereirl said indicator configuration is a W-shaped configuratlon or an R-shaped configuration of an E-shaped configuration or an N-shaped configuratlon or a Z-shapad configuration or a staircase-like configuration of groupwise arrangements having a plurality of groupwise arrangements ~s~
arranged physically above and below said targe-t weighing value.
In the preferred embodiments the weighing indicators may thus be light emitting diodes or other kinds of optically indicating means. An example is provided by a s~ngle light signal source associated with means by which separate indlcators at different places are illuminated when required to convey weighing information in visual form.
The groupwise arrangement of the welghing indlcators, that is the relation of the weighing values one to another of indicators in a given arrangement, may be of various kinds. The overriding criteria is that the groupwise arrangement enables an operator using the weighing display in associatlon with a weighing balance to readily distinguish between the weighin~
results in a repetitive situation. By way of example, the operator is readily able to distinguish results above or below a target weighing value. By way of example, the relatlonship of indlcators ln a groupwise arrangement may be associated with the degree of the divergence of the measured weighing value from a target weighing value. Alternatively, this relationship may be related to the speed of response of the weighing equlpment to produce a correct indication of the weight. Yet alternatively the relationship may be related to the speed with which the material (to be weighed) arrives for weighing. An embodiment of such a weighing display has particular application when weighing out a specified weight of a materlal, where weight will comprise a given number of single items or such weight will comprise a given quantity of a material whlch is supplied in a pulverized or granular form.
In one embodiment oE the weighing display according to the present invention said one groupwise arrangement is located or extends below said target weighing value such that when activated indicators in this arrangement are physically below ~2~5~0 said target weighlng value whereby by virtue of their location they enhance the visual prompt to the operator to increase the weight being measured, and similarly sald another groupwise arrangement is located or extends above said target weighing value such that when activated indicators ln this arrangement are physically above said target weighing value whereby vlrtue of their locatlon they enhance the visual prompt to the operator to reduce the weight being measured. Suitably the display further comprises visual designations associated with said one and said another groupwise arrangements, said visual designation associated with said one groupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the operator to add weight in order to ad~ust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and sald visual designation associated with said another groupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the operator to subtract weight in order to ad~ust the weight measured to said target weighing value. Desirably said target weighing value is associated with a said weighing indicator arranged in said configuration between said one groupwise arrangement and said another groupwise arrangement. Suitably said a further groupwise arrangement comprises a said lndicator associated with said target weighing value and designated the target weighing value, and wherein each of said groupwise arrangements comprise a plurallty of said indicators.
Further groupwise arrangements of indicators are included in the embodiment in which the display further comprising groupwise arrangements of said further groupwise arrangements provide an indication of the proximity arrangements provide an indication of the proxim:Lty of attained weighing value to the target weighing value over a series of weighing operations. Suitably said indicators in said further groupwise arrangements indicate said proximity of the attained weighlng value to the target weighing value by indicating a resultant derived from weighing values obtained over a series of weighing operations, and wherein said resultant may be selected from one ~2~S~
of several forms, said several forms including the average value of said weighing values and the standard deviation of said weighing values from a target weighing value.
According to a preferred embodiment, further groupwise arrangements may be arranged relative to a central point. The further groupwise arrangements serve to indicate an attained average value andior an attained standard devlation for a certain number of weighing operations. This preferred embodiment enables a user/operator of the equipment to follow the practical weighlng accuracy he attains. This facility can also serve as the means by which the operator readily achieves a required average or mean welght value over a given period of repetitive welghing operations, for example, throughout a day's weighing work.
Alternatively, it might be regarded as more important that this facility psychologically supports the operator in achleving a reliable performance throughout weighing operations carried out during the course of a day's work. This psychological support is apparent because the operator continuously sees a report whlch indicates that what he has done has been carried out to required standards. This support is available even when there are changes in the weighed articles. Such information presents real support when the operators are remunerated on the basls of piece-work.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention said indlcator configuratlon is a Z-shaped conflguration, the uppermost branch of the Z-shaped configuratlon including said another groupwlse arrangement assoclated with welghing values above the target weighlng value, the lowermost branch of the Z-shaped configuration including said one groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below the target weighing value.
Such a Z-shaped embodlment has the advantage that for weighing operations the operating range will usually be ln the central weighing range associated with mid-portion of the z-shape. However, the other limbs (upper and lower) facilitate _ g _ ~2655'~
visual identification of weights outside this range. In relation hereto, it is advantageous if the display of a taryet weighlng value is associated wlth the signalling means posltioned nearest to the midpoint of the stem of the z-shape. Generally, the z-shaped configuration presents an approximate symmetry for display of allowable welghts about a standardlzed average weight, for example, the desired weight of the one in a series of manufactured ob~ects. A special feature of the z-shape configuration concerns the possibility of switching of weighing values associated with the indicators. The swltching feature enables the operator to ensure that allowable deviations of weighing values may be indicated solely within the midstem of the z-shape; this feature is, in use, independent of whether the actual weighing values are distrlbuted symmetrically about the target weighing value.
The indicatlons displayed by the welghing display are further enhanced wherein the weighing indicators are coloured light indicators. By way of example the indicators of the midstem could possess a green signalling colour, whereas low or high values (associated with the two branches of the z-shape) could be indicated by means of red and yellow signalling colours respectively. If colour blindness is not a hindrance, this makes it possible to read the weighing display in use at an even larger physical distance from the display. In this way, the choice of colour exhibited by the different groupwise arrangements may be adapted to suit the local working conditions.
In relation to such embodiments, it is possible to arrange that the target weighing value is located not only at the mid-stem whereby the weighing value~ close to the target value are wholly displayed in the indicators in the stem range of the z-shape. It is possible to arrange for this acceptable range to extend into a portion of the upper and lower branches of the z-shape. The factors which govern this choice may depend, for example, on the artlcle to be weighed. As an example, the - 9a -~ 2~S~
operator may be weighing pulverized material and the size of particles may be a factor. Alternatively, another factor may be the desired tolerance of the weighing operation. The dlfferences betw~en the weighing ~alues of indicators could also exhibit a logarithmic relationship in the directions away from the midpoint of the midstem of the z-shape. In this way the usefulness of the z-shape configuration may be enhanced for a range of different weighing operations.
Visual designations are presented when display further comprises visual deslgnations associated with said one and sald another groupwise arrangements, said visual designation associated with sald one groupwise arrangement belng adapted to visually prompt the operator to add weight in order to ad~ust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and said visual designation associated wlth sald another groupwise arrangement being adapted to vlsually prompt the operator to subtract weight in order to ad~ust the weight measured to sald target weighing value. The functions of the groupwise arrangements may be enhanced and their prompt to the user made clearer by means of the visual designations (associated text) which may comprise a minus sign at an upper groupwlse arrangement and a plus sign at a lower groupwise arrangement. At first sight thls appears to be illoglcal. However, for the operator who is using such a weighing indicator it is advantageous. In the example of the z-shape configuration, the user may mentally associate the z-shape indicator configuration with a weighing balance of the two-pan type. When one pan is lowered too much weight is present within this pan and some weight has to be removed. It will be seen that the positioning of the visual indications is not illogical. The operator even without making an emblematic perception of the z-shape as a weighlng balance is able to perceive the lower branch visual indication which prompts hlm that he must increase the material to obtain a target weight. ThiS means that simultaneously the operator is receiving two emblematic perceptions of the weighing value and that these two perceptions - 9b -are independent of each other.
It may also be stated that the embod~ments of weighing displays herein exhibit the supplementary advantage that in use they may be better adapted to different operating conditions and environments. Such factors may include the posslbllity of ad~usting to different distributions the intervals between the weighing values within the indicator configuration. This advantage cannot be attained with a weighing display which solely employs digital indicators. Nor, can it be attained ln a readily observable manner with weighing displays which employ graduated scale markings, even though with graduated scale markings more than one set may be present, this does not enhance the visual distinctlons for the operator.
In another embodiment of the present invention the weighing values assoclated with the indicators of a groupwise arrangement differ by a discrete step, and wherein a switching arrangement is provided whereby the slze of sald discrete step may be adjusted. Swltching may be accompllshed in many ways, for example manually in, a mechanical arrangement. The switching may act directly on the control slgnals sent to the indicators/signalling means. Alternatively, switching of the control signals may be accompllshed electronically as for instance by using programmable switching under electronic or computer based controls, whereby the increments between welghing values of weighing indicators may be ad~usted.
In embodiments further groupwise indicators may be employed and may be assigned a separate $unctlon from the weighing indicators already mentioned. Thus the weighing indlcators for obtaining a weighing value from a single weighing operation may also be employed in an arrangement which includes further weighing lndicators for another secondary purpose. If, for instance, both sets of indicators, namely those for the secondary purpose and those for slmple weighing, are of an - 9c -~2 ~ 5 5~
electronic nature, then both of the indicatlons can be produced electronically practically simultaneously. Such indications may be derived from a common means (electronic weighing balance), which as a source of electronic signals generates the necessary indicator control signals for the two sets of indicators. In this instance, only the signal building-up tlme (a feature of electronic weighing balance) introduces a time delay. This time delay may result fo~m electronic integration within the balance or the sampling time required for digitalization. Taking the use of the weighing display into consideratlon, it ~ust may be appropriate to adapt the weighing display such that the groupwise arrangements of indicators for displaying weighing values possess a faster integration (build-up) time than the groupwise arrangements of indicators for a secondary purpose whlch secondary purpose may include the display oE the weighlng value at a digital display panel. This would allow for the dlgital display panel to present a slowly changing resulting display of the digits in advance of a possible change to the physical quantity of the weighed material which may be requlred according to the weighing result. This affords an advantage for the reason that within an initial time span the user perceives a clear impression of the weighed value and possibly gets more time to memorize the original digits having been shown OA the digital display. Then when the change to the physical quantity is initiated and carried out in response to the visual display of the embodiments of the weighing display, the operator is able to react more quickly because this welghing display ls faster to respond.
For thls reason, the response time of the indicators is ad~ustable in a stepwise manner along the indicator configuration in whlch response tlmes are ad~ustable.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provlded a weighing display comprislng indicators each having an associated weighlng value, said indicators being - 9d -~ 2 6 5 ~
positioned in a plurality of groupwise arrangements each visually distinguishable from each other groupwise arrangement in an indicator configuration, wherein sald groupwise arrangements include one said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below a target welghin~ value and another said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values above said target weighing values, and wherein the arrangement is such as to visually lndicate to the operator whether additional weight is to be subtracted or added when it is desired to ad~ust the weight.
measured to said target weighing value, and wherein there are provided further groupwise arrangements of said indlcators which are arranged in a direc~ion crossing the configuration formed by aforesaid groupwise arrangements, and wherein the indicators in said further groupwise arrangements provide an indication of the proximity of an attained weighing value to the target weighlng value over a serles of weighing operations.
In one embodiment of the present invention said indicators in said further groupwise arrangements indicate said proximity of the attained weighing value to the target weighing value by indicating a resultant derived from weighing values obtained over a series of weighing operations, and wherein said resultant may be selected from one of several forms, sald several forms including the average value of said weighing values and the standard deviation of said weighing values from a target weighing value. Suitably said target weighlng value is assoclated with a said weighing indicator arranged in said configuration between said one groupwise arrangement and said another groupwise arrangement. Desirably an additional said groupwise arrangement comprises a said indicator associated with said target weighing value and designated the target weighing value, and wherein each of said groupwise arrangements comprises a plurality of said indicators. Suitably the display further comprises visual designations associated with said one and said another groupwise arrangements, sald visual designation associated with said one yroupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the ~5S~
operator to add weight in order to ad~ust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and said visual designation associated with said another groupwise arrangement belng adapted to visually prompt the operator to subtract weight 1n order to adiust the weight measured to said target weighing value.
Preferably the weighing display is associated wlth a tare compensated balance. Desirably the weighing indicators are coloured light indicators.
lo The further groupwise arrangements are arranged in a direction crossing the configuration formed by the first mentioned groupwise arrangements. The further groupwlse arrangements serve to indicate an attained average value and/or an attained standard deviation for a certain number of welghing operations. ThiS preferred embodiment enables a userJoperator of the equipment to follow the practical welghlng accuracy he attains. This facillty can also serve as the means by which the operator readily achieves a required average or means weight value over a given period of repetitive weighing operations, for example, throughout a day's weighing work. Alternatively, it might be regarded as more important that this facility psychologically supports the operator in achieving a reliable performance throughout weighing operations carried out during the course of a day's work. This psychological support is apparent because the operator continuously sees a report which indicates that what he has done has been carried out to required standards.
This support is available even when there are changes in the weighed articles. Such informatlon presents real support when the operators are remunerated on the basis of piece-work.
The unctions of the groupwise arrangements may be enhanced and their prompt to the user made clearer by means of the visual designations ~associated text) whlch may comprise a mlnus sign at an upper groupwlse arrangement and a plus sign at a lower groupwise arrangement. At first sight this appears to be illogical. However, for the operator who is using such a .
~265540 weighing indicator lt is advan-tageous. The user may mentally associate the indlcator configuration w1th a weighing balance of the two~pan type. When one pan is lowered too much weight is present wlthin this pand and some weight has to be removed. It will be seen that the positioning of the visual indications is not illogical. The operator even without making an emblematic perception of the display as a weighing balance ls able to perceive the lower branch visual indicat~on which prompts him that he must increase the material to obtain a target weight.
This means that simultaneously the operator is recelvlng two emblematlc perceptlons of the weighing value and that these two perceptions are independent of each other.
_ 9g _ ~s~
Embodiments of ~he present invention will now be described in ~ore detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-~ig 1 illustrates a weighing display whichfalls outside the scope of the appended claims;
Figs 2 to 5 illustrate embodiments of weighing displays according to the present invention;
Fig 6 shows another embodiment according to the present invention;
Fig 7 shows a weighing display for use with the embodiment of Fig. 8; but which per se falls outside the scope of the appended claims;
Fig 8 illustrates another embodiment with a spatial arrangement of indicators according to the present invention:
Fig 9 illustrates a modification of the weighing display of Fig 6; this modification falls outside the scope of the appended claims;
Fig 10 illustrates in perspective view a weighing indicator according to the present invention arranged in connection with a balance being able to perform tare compensation and being programmable and comprising digitized weight indicating display feature, and showing a weight read-out and the weighing process programmable unit positioned within a box 117, and Fig 11 illustrates a more specific execution of the embodiment according to Fig 10, namely a unitary Eront plate including knobs and read-out means to be positioned in a box 117 according to Fig 10.
.
Figs 2 to 6 of the drawing show weighing displays with different configurations of indicators in groupwise ~265~
-- 11 ~
arrangements according to embodiments of the present inYention. These configurations lend themselves to be further combined. One such combination i5 illustrated by the embodiment of Fig 8 of the drawing.
Fig 1 of the drawing illustrates a weiyhing display with a U-shaped confiyuration of indicators which is not included within the scope of the appended claims. These may be light indicators. Each light indicator relates to a definite, indicated weighing value. Grouping of indicators is indicated by means of oblique strokes, in which a pair of strokes are arranged closer to each other than to the neighbouring pair(s). Each obliquely positioned arrangement of light indicators then designates a definite weighing range. The arrangements of weighing ranges may also be divided according to their response time. For example, arrangements with a slower response may be positioned at the outer ends of the U-shape. But, an arrangement may also be presented in which the distance between the weighing values for the single light indicators within each single arrangement is larger the further out in the branches of the U-shape the light indicators are situated.
Reference 1, in Fig 1, may thus designate a specific weighing range which includes an indicator for the target weight. The branch 2 shown in Fig 1 includes indicators which relate to weighing values higher in proportionate association oÇ some or other kind in relation hereto. Likewise, branch 3 comprises indicators whose values are lower t.harl the target weight in proportionate association. ~Eter a weighing operation, the illumination oÇ a light indicator within one of the straight portions of branch 2 or 3 will inclicate that the obtained weighing value is outside the target range. It is advantageous for these indicators to be connected to time delay means which, during a pre-determined period o~ time, disables the weighing ~6~4~
equipment. This disablement enables a clear indication to be given to the user that the obtained weight value is not within the target range. This feature is useful during, for example, batch weighing. When during the weighing of a series of portions of products or material ~each nominally of a given target weight), a portion is outside the target range, then the indicators of branches 2 and 3 indicate a defective portion and initiate the aforesaid delay. In this way, the user is prompted not to do a careless weighing-out since time is then consumed be~ore the next weighing-out can be initiated. The time delay means may be arranged to be adjustable (e.g. at a remote location), and also arranged to be lockable, so that only authorised personnel may perform an adjustment.
Figs 2, 4 and 5 show embodiments of weighing displays which for purposes of description will be compared with the display of Fi9 l. Their shapes differ from that of the weighing display described with reference to Fig l.
In these configurations, branch portions 4 and 5 correspond to the straight portions of the branchés of the U-shape of Fig 1. The portions 2 and 3 correspond to the curved portions of the branches of the U-shape.
In the embodiment of Fig 4, the mid-portion of the horizontal portion of the branch of the E-shape affords an additional feature. For example, this mid-portion may designate a target working range within which there are sub groupwise arrangements of light indicator5. By way of example, these may have a ~iner graduation between indicators. In the E-shape embodiment the possibility also exists to arrange for the mid-stem to comprise an additional indicator arrangement, possessing groupwise arrangement, i.e. along the horizontal mid-branch (or mid-stem) of the E-shape. This arrangement may be selectable by means of a switch or it may be a fixed arrangement. This additional indicator ~ ~ 6 ~
arrangement may be used to lndicate the proximity of an attained value relative to a target value for a series of weiyhing opera-tions. ~his may be achieved by lndicating the average value of the attained weighing values or the standard-devlation of attained weighing values relative to a target welghing value.
this indicator arrangement may possibly also incorporate means fQr an indication as to which side (above or below) the average value the deviat~ons malnly fall. A dual simultaneous indication is possible by employing respective light lndicators for average value and devia-tion in the same groups. For example, the arrangement may include indicators of two colours, one colour may represent the average value and one colour may represent the standard deviation. Coloured indicators may also be employed to more clearly distinguish between groupwise arrangements of different kinds and of dlfferent nature.
In the embodiment a backing member for the arrangement of indicators may be provided and consist of any material. The backiny member may be in the form of the backing member of a liquid-crystal indicator arrangement. Alternatively, it may take the form of a luminous/non-luminous background such as a TV
screen or the likeO Thus is will be understood that the backing member provides supporting means for indicators arranged in the described configuration~
One may consider weighing-out of portions which comprise two ingredlents. The ingredients may first have to be weighed separately and then mixed. Alternatlvely the mixing may take place by first weighing one of the ingredlent~ and then weighing the sum of the first and the second ingredients as the latter is added. For this application, an embodiment illustrated in Fig 3 can be used. Accordingly, the two branches 2 and 3 then relate to a respective one of the weighings whereas the two branches 4 and 5 relate to the second weighing. The indlcators belonging to branches 2 and 3 may exhlbit a different colour to ~2~5~
the colour of the indlcators in the branches 4 and 5. The same applies to the groupwise arrangement wlthin the mid-range, whlch range is designated with reference numeral 11. Another possibility exists by a more sub-divided embodiment of the single groupwise arrangements of the indicators, for instance as illustrated in Fig 6. In this case a - 13a -~6~
- 14 ~
staircase-like embodiment has been selectedl but practically any other configuration might be employable.
The sub-divisioning of the groupwise arrangements exhibit a more discrete positioning of the indicators, which is nevertheless somewhat similar to that according to Figs 2 to 5. The individual groupwise arrangements of Fig 6 may each also be regarded as a symbolic representation of an arrangement shown in any one of the embodiments of Figs 2 to 5.
A further example of the combination of arrangements of light indicators is illustrated in Fig 8, which is a three-dimensional or spatial embodiment. In this ca~e, the indicators may simply be arranged in the middle of, or behind, transparent sides o~ the spatial configuration. In the embodiment of Fig 8 there is the possibility of arranging the light indicators along side edges of the individual polygonal-shaped sides. It is to be remarked that in Fig 8 a combination of the E-shaped arrangement shown in Fig 4 and the W-shaped arrangement shown in Fig 2 has been attained. The side edges 50, 51, 53, 52, 54 correspond to the branches l,
2, 3, 5 and 4 of Fig 4. The side edyes 61, 59, 56, 55 correspond to the branches 4, 2, 3 and 5 of Fig 2. A
portion of the side edge 50 has been used to represent the groupwise arrangement or groupwise arrangements around 1 in Fig 2. The side edges 60, 58 and 57 correspond to branch 2, bottom l and branch 3 oE Fig 1.
one or more arran~ements, as shown in Fiy 7, may be positioned upon the top surface.
In Fig 9 there is shown a configuration of indicators similar to that illustrated in Fig 6 except that the groupwise associated indicators are situated in a circular shape (which is not within the scope of the appended claims).
6S~
In the embodiments a backing member for the arrangement of indicators may be provided and consist of any material. The backing member may be in the ~orm of the backing member of a liquid-crystal indicator arrangement. Alternatively, it may take the form of a luminous/non-luminous background such as a TV screen or the like. Thus is will be understood that the backing member provides supporting means for indicators arranged in the described configurations.
A box 117 is illustrated in Fig 10, which comprises a read-out and weighing-program programmable unit for a balance which will not be further described. The front plate 122 of the box 117 carries knob and read-out means. Further details of an embodiment of the front plate 122 are illustrated in Fig 11 in a front elevation. Digital indicators 115 and 116 (known per se) give a digitalized display. In both Figs 10 and 11, means having the same or practically the same functions are design-ated with same references. Indicating means 124 indicates numbers as well as letters or graphic symbols. This means 124 belongs to an electronic programmable unit: associated with the balance. This programmable unit enables definite and fixed values, which are associated with the weighing, to be displayed;
the values are clerived from reading program values, which have been computer programmed into the unit.
Likewise, a text for display and for user guidance in programming or weighiny may be displayed ThiS enables the usee to be guided as to the correct use of the apparatus during the weighing or programming phases respectively. It is remarked that in the drawing the arrangement of such a text as well as a text at the indicators, etc, has only been indicated schematically.
It is not the intention that these symbolic illustrations should be understood in any other manner.
~6~
They are only to hint that text may be pcovided. A
keyboard unit 118 facili~ates the input or read-in of programming values, whereas a keyboard 119 comprises keys ~o the control of the programming. Light indicators situated above keyboard 119 are designated by reference 1~3. The text selected to describe the functions of the keys of keyboard 119 is only exemplary.
Taken from left to rightf the keys 119 may have the following functions: the first key may be operative for changing between upper and lower case functions of the single keys having double functions; the second key may be operative for the termination of programming and for entering data; the third key may be operative for stepping through the program and/or the program data either forwards or backwards with simultaneous display on indicator 124; the fourth key may be operative for selecting passive display (inspection) of program or data or selection of active programming; the fifth key may be operative Eor selecting a mode of operation of the balance; the sixth key may be operative for entering a tare value (depending upon the kind of weighing). Also a key 129 may be associated with tare weighing.
A keyboaed 121, which has a light indicating facility, relates to the zero-adjustment of the balance.
Additionally, it may be employed to test the light indicators: all the ligllt indicators may be illuminated simultaneously by push-operation oE a push-button designated TEST.
The present invention particularly relates to ~he weighing display in the field or area 120 of the front plate 122. In this embodiment, this field 120 comprises light emitting diodes 100 to 110 positioned in a Z-shaped configuration. Each reference numeral 100 to ~2~5~Q
110 designates an arrangement of two or more light emitting diodes: each aerangement has light indicators arranged in a given shape or configuration. In this embodiment, the configuration of each arrangement of indicators is shown as that of an obliquely arranged line. A cross drawn by means of lines 111 and 112 focuses the observation towards light emitting diodes 100. ~s earlier described diodes 100 may correspond to a target weighing value, whereas the other light emitting diodes indicate weighing values which differ from the target value. As earlier described, the difference in weighing values of the arrangements may differ as between diodes of an arrangement or as between arrangements in dependence on the distance of the arrangement from the mid-range 100 Furthermore, the light emitting diodes in the field 120 may be associated with a different response time than the response time for the digital indicators 115 and/or 116. Visual designations 113 and 114 are provided to indicate that the weighed value lies above or below respectively the taeget value assigned in the programming of the apparatus to ~he light emitting diode~s) at 100.
;
By way of example, the indicators 101, 100 and 106 may exhibit the colour green, whereas the indicators 102, 103, 104 and 105 may exhibit the colour red, and the indicators 107, 108, 109 and 110 may exhibit the colour yellow. In modifications the orientation of the z-shape may be varied in relation to the feont plate 122 from that shown in Fiys 10 and 11.
portion of the side edge 50 has been used to represent the groupwise arrangement or groupwise arrangements around 1 in Fig 2. The side edges 60, 58 and 57 correspond to branch 2, bottom l and branch 3 oE Fig 1.
one or more arran~ements, as shown in Fiy 7, may be positioned upon the top surface.
In Fig 9 there is shown a configuration of indicators similar to that illustrated in Fig 6 except that the groupwise associated indicators are situated in a circular shape (which is not within the scope of the appended claims).
6S~
In the embodiments a backing member for the arrangement of indicators may be provided and consist of any material. The backing member may be in the ~orm of the backing member of a liquid-crystal indicator arrangement. Alternatively, it may take the form of a luminous/non-luminous background such as a TV screen or the like. Thus is will be understood that the backing member provides supporting means for indicators arranged in the described configurations.
A box 117 is illustrated in Fig 10, which comprises a read-out and weighing-program programmable unit for a balance which will not be further described. The front plate 122 of the box 117 carries knob and read-out means. Further details of an embodiment of the front plate 122 are illustrated in Fig 11 in a front elevation. Digital indicators 115 and 116 (known per se) give a digitalized display. In both Figs 10 and 11, means having the same or practically the same functions are design-ated with same references. Indicating means 124 indicates numbers as well as letters or graphic symbols. This means 124 belongs to an electronic programmable unit: associated with the balance. This programmable unit enables definite and fixed values, which are associated with the weighing, to be displayed;
the values are clerived from reading program values, which have been computer programmed into the unit.
Likewise, a text for display and for user guidance in programming or weighiny may be displayed ThiS enables the usee to be guided as to the correct use of the apparatus during the weighing or programming phases respectively. It is remarked that in the drawing the arrangement of such a text as well as a text at the indicators, etc, has only been indicated schematically.
It is not the intention that these symbolic illustrations should be understood in any other manner.
~6~
They are only to hint that text may be pcovided. A
keyboard unit 118 facili~ates the input or read-in of programming values, whereas a keyboard 119 comprises keys ~o the control of the programming. Light indicators situated above keyboard 119 are designated by reference 1~3. The text selected to describe the functions of the keys of keyboard 119 is only exemplary.
Taken from left to rightf the keys 119 may have the following functions: the first key may be operative for changing between upper and lower case functions of the single keys having double functions; the second key may be operative for the termination of programming and for entering data; the third key may be operative for stepping through the program and/or the program data either forwards or backwards with simultaneous display on indicator 124; the fourth key may be operative for selecting passive display (inspection) of program or data or selection of active programming; the fifth key may be operative Eor selecting a mode of operation of the balance; the sixth key may be operative for entering a tare value (depending upon the kind of weighing). Also a key 129 may be associated with tare weighing.
A keyboaed 121, which has a light indicating facility, relates to the zero-adjustment of the balance.
Additionally, it may be employed to test the light indicators: all the ligllt indicators may be illuminated simultaneously by push-operation oE a push-button designated TEST.
The present invention particularly relates to ~he weighing display in the field or area 120 of the front plate 122. In this embodiment, this field 120 comprises light emitting diodes 100 to 110 positioned in a Z-shaped configuration. Each reference numeral 100 to ~2~5~Q
110 designates an arrangement of two or more light emitting diodes: each aerangement has light indicators arranged in a given shape or configuration. In this embodiment, the configuration of each arrangement of indicators is shown as that of an obliquely arranged line. A cross drawn by means of lines 111 and 112 focuses the observation towards light emitting diodes 100. ~s earlier described diodes 100 may correspond to a target weighing value, whereas the other light emitting diodes indicate weighing values which differ from the target value. As earlier described, the difference in weighing values of the arrangements may differ as between diodes of an arrangement or as between arrangements in dependence on the distance of the arrangement from the mid-range 100 Furthermore, the light emitting diodes in the field 120 may be associated with a different response time than the response time for the digital indicators 115 and/or 116. Visual designations 113 and 114 are provided to indicate that the weighed value lies above or below respectively the taeget value assigned in the programming of the apparatus to ~he light emitting diode~s) at 100.
;
By way of example, the indicators 101, 100 and 106 may exhibit the colour green, whereas the indicators 102, 103, 104 and 105 may exhibit the colour red, and the indicators 107, 108, 109 and 110 may exhibit the colour yellow. In modifications the orientation of the z-shape may be varied in relation to the feont plate 122 from that shown in Fiys 10 and 11.
Claims (28)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A weighing display, comprising indicators each having an associated weight value information, said indicators being positioned in a plurality of groupwise arrangements each visually distinguishable from each other groupwise arrangement in an indicator configuration, in which the groupwise arrangements include one said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below a target weighing value and another said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values above said target weighing value, and wherein the arrangement is such as to visu-ally indicate to the operator whether additional weight is to be subtracted or added when it is desired to adjust the weight is to be subtracted or added when it is desired to adjust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and wherein the complete configuration of said indicators exhibit a bent coursed or bent coursed like configuration including at least two such inverted or substantially inverted oriented respectively in more equal and/or in more different directions oriented such bends.
2. An weighing display according to claim 1, wherein groupwise associated arrangements of indicators within the common course of the configuration are positioned in spaced relation-ship, and said spaced relationship exhibiting a step-like-coursed configuration or appearance.
3. An weighing display according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indicator configuration respectively is such that the indicator configuration includes further groupwise arrangements of said indicators which are arranged in a direction crossing configuration formed by aforesaid groupwise arrangements, and wherein such further groupwise arrangements provide an accuracy indication, respectively a proximity indication, of the degree of proximity with which the central of target weighing value has been approached.
4. A weighing display comprising indicators each having an associated weighing value, said indicators being positioned in a plurality of groupwise arrangements each visually distinguishable from each other groupwise arrangement in an indicator configuration, wherein said groupwise arrangements include one said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below a target weighing value and another said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values above said target weighing value, and wherein the arrangement is such as to visually indicate to the operator whether additional weight is to be substracted or added when it is desired to adjust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and wherein said indicator configuration is a W-shaped configuration or a K-shaped configuration or an E-shaped configuration or an N-shaped configuration or a Z-shaped configuration or a staircase-like configuration of groupwise arrangements having a plurality of groupwise arrangements arranged physically above and below said target weighing value.
5. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said one groupwise arrangement is located or extends below said target weighing value such that when activated indicators in this arrangement are physically below said target weighing value whereby by virtue of their location they enhance the visual prompt to the operator to increase the weight being measured, and similarly said another groupwise arrangement is located or extends above said target weighing value such that when activated indicators in this arrangement are physically above said target weighing value whereby by virtue of their location they enhance the visual prompt to the operator to reduce the weight being measured.
6. A weighing display as claimed in either claim 5 further comprising visual designations associated with said one and said another groupwise arrangements, said visual designation associated with said one groupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the operator to add weight in order to adjust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and said visual designation associated with said another groupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the operator to subtract weight in order to adjust the weight measured to said target weighing value.
7. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein said target weighing value is associated with a said weighing indicator arranged in said configuration between said one groupwise arrangement and said another groupwise arrangement.
8. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein a further said groupwise arrangement comprises a said indicator associated with said target weighing value and designated the target weighing value, and wherein each of said groupwise arrangements comprise a plurality of said indicators.
9. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 4, further comprising further groupwise arrangements of said indicators, and wherein the indicators in said further groupwise arrangements provide an indication of the proximity of an attained weighing value to the target weighing value over a series of weighing operations.
.
.
10. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said indicators in said further groupwise arrangements indicate said proximity of the attained weighing value to the target weighing value by indicating a resultant derived from weighing values obtained over a series of weighing operations, and wherein said resultant may be selected from one of several forms! said several forms including the average value of said weighing values and the standard deviation of said weighing values from a target weighing value.
11. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the weighing indicator is associated with a tare compensated balance.
12. A, weighing display as claimed in Claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the weighing indicators are coloured light indicators.
13. A weighing display as, claimed in Claim 4 , 5 or 6, wherein the response time of said indicators in said indicator configuration is related to the weighing values thereof, and within a groupwise arrangement the response time of an indicator is proportional to the increment between the weighing value of that indicator and weighing value of its neighbouring indicator, the relationship between the response time of neighbouring ones of said groupwise arrangements being similarly determined.
14. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 4 comprising an associated weighing balance, the indicators being associated with the weighing balance in such manner that each indicator has a discrete response time for a weighing operation, the response time for each indicator in the indicator configuration being different.
15. A weighing display as claimed in either Claim 13, or Claim 11, wherein the response time of the indicators is adjustable in a stepwise manner along the indicator configuration.
16. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the weighing values associated with the indicators of a groupwise arrangement differ by a discrete step, and wherein a switching arrangement is provided whereby the size of said discrete step may be adjusted.
17. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said switching arrangement includes programmable means operatively associated with carrying means for carrying weighing signals to the indicators from means generating said weighing signals, and said carrying means also carry control signals from said generating means to said indicators.
18. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein said indicator configuration is a Z-shaped configuration, the uppermost branch of the Z-shaped configuration including said another groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values above the target weighing value, the lowermost branch of the Z-shaped configuration including said one groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below the target weighing value.
19. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 4, wherein a weighing balance is operatively associated therewith, time delay means being associated with said weighing balance, said time delay means being operable in response to activation of any one of the indicators belonging to at least one selected groupwise arrangement, said selected groupwise arrangement being selected on the basis that the indicators in said groupwise arrangement indicate a weighing value which deviates from said target weighing value by at least a pre-determined minimum increment, wherein said time delay means is operable to prevent further operation of said weighing balance for a pre-determined interval, adjustment means being provided for adjusting said pre-determined interval.
20. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 19, wherein said adjusting means are positioned at a location remote from said indicators.
21. A weighing display as claimed in either Claim 19, or Claim wherein said weighing balance is operable such that the complete termination of a single weighing operation is effected by the removal of an object being weighed from a weighing pan of the weighing balance.
22. A weighing display comprising indicators each having an associated weighing value, said indicators being positioned in a plurality of groupwise arrangements each visually distinguishable from each other groupwise arrangement in an indicator configuration, wherein said groupwise arrangements include one said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values below a target weighing value and another said groupwise arrangement associated with weighing values above said target weighing value; and wherein the arrangement is such as to visually indicate to the operator whether additional weight is to be subtracted or added when it is desired to adjust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and wherein there are provided further groupwise arrangements of said indicators which are arranged in a direction crossing the configuration formed by aforesaid groupwise arrangements, and wherein the indicators in said further groupwise arrangements provide an indication of the proximity of an attained weighing value to the target weighing value over a series of weighing operations.
23. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said indicators in said further groupwise arrangements indicate said proximity of the attained weighing value to the target weighing value by indicating a resultant derived from weighing values obtained over a series of weighing operations, and wherein said resultant may be selected from one of several forms, said several forms including the average value of said weighing values and the standard deviation of said weighing values from a target weighing value.
24. A weighing display as claimed in either Claim 23, wherein said target weighing value is associated with a said weighing indicator arranged in said configuration between said one groupwise arrangement and said another groupwise arrangement.
25. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 23, wherein an additional said groupwise arrangement comprises a said indicator associated with said target weighing value and designated the target weighing value, and wherein each of said groupwise arrangements comprises a plurality of said indicators.
26. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 22, 23 or 24 further comprising visual designations associated with said one and said another groupwise arrangements, said visual designation associated with said one groupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the operator to add weight in order to adjust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and said visual designation associated with said another groupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the operator to subtract weight in order to adjust the weight measured to said target weighing value.
27. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 22, 23 or 24, wherein the weighing display is associated with a tare compensated balance.
28. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 22, 23 or 24, wherein the weighing indicators are coloured light indicators.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000475309A CA1265540A (en) | 1985-02-27 | 1985-02-27 | Weighing indicator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000475309A CA1265540A (en) | 1985-02-27 | 1985-02-27 | Weighing indicator |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1265540A true CA1265540A (en) | 1990-02-06 |
Family
ID=4129919
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000475309A Expired - Fee Related CA1265540A (en) | 1985-02-27 | 1985-02-27 | Weighing indicator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1265540A (en) |
-
1985
- 1985-02-27 CA CA000475309A patent/CA1265540A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| MKLA | Lapsed |