CA2011979C - Electronic postal rating scale operable in metric and avoirdupois weight units - Google Patents
Electronic postal rating scale operable in metric and avoirdupois weight units Download PDFInfo
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- CA2011979C CA2011979C CA002011979A CA2011979A CA2011979C CA 2011979 C CA2011979 C CA 2011979C CA 002011979 A CA002011979 A CA 002011979A CA 2011979 A CA2011979 A CA 2011979A CA 2011979 C CA2011979 C CA 2011979C
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- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 11
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 3
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl ether Chemical compound CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000030538 Thecla Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000256844 Apis mellifera Species 0.000 description 1
- 101100206738 Mus musculus Tiam2 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 235000011449 Rosa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 101100043658 Schizosaccharomyces pombe (strain 972 / ATCC 24843) ste11 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 235000015107 ale Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000012054 meals Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000010445 mica Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052618 mica group Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000020004 porter Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01G—WEIGHING
- G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
- G01G19/40—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight
- G01G19/413—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means
- G01G19/414—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
- G01G19/4148—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only for controlling postal rate in articles to be mailed
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01G—WEIGHING
- G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
- G01G19/002—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for postal parcels and letters
- G01G19/005—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for postal parcels and letters with electric or electronic computing means
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mathematical Physics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
- Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
Abstract
An electronic postal scale measures the weight of an item in metric or in avoirdupois units, at the user's election. The scale also calculates a postal or shipping rate for the item, in accordance with a stored rate table defined in either metric or avoirdupois units. When the user selects a class of service, the scale determines whether there is a stored rate table for that class in the currently elected weight units. If not, the scale automatically changes to the other weight units and calculates a rate according to a stored table in those other units.
Description
$LBCTRO~TIC p08TAL R71TI~TG BCALE OPERABLE IN
IsETRIC AND AVOIRDUPOIS llEItiBT U~iITB
Field of the Invention The invention relates to an electronic postal/shipping scale that provides a weight and a postage charge for an item to be shipped in either metric or avoirdupois units.
Background of the Invention Electronic postal/shipping scales (hereinafter "postal scales'") are known. Prior art postal scales are described in ,..-U.S. Patents Nos. 4,718,506 and 4,864,521, both of which are assigned to the assignee of this application.
The avoirdupois system of measuring weight, based on ounces and pounds, is used in the United States. The metric system of measuring weight, based on grams and kilograms, is used in Europe. In some countries both weight measuring systems are used.
The amount charged by parcel carriers (which term should be understood to include postal authorities) for carriage of a particular item often depends on the weight of the item, the desired destination for the item and the class of service to be provided. From this point forward "class"
should be understood to mean a particular class of service provided by a particular parcel carrier. Typically for each class a rate table is provided which specifies the ~aag amount to be charged according to the weight category into which the item falls and, perhaps, also ac:cording to the zone in which the destination is located. The weight categories for a given rate table must, of. course, be defined in terms of either avoirdupois or metric units.
Some carriers, in some countries, may provide for a given class two rate tables, one defined in avoirdupois units and the other in metric units. For other classes, only one rate table is provided, the table being defined in one of the weight measuring systems.
Postal scales according to prior art have been able to display an item's weight either in avoirdupois or metric units, at the operator's option. But such prior art scales were capable of automatically calculating parcel rates only from rate tables defined in one of the weight measuring systems ("supported units") and not from rate tables defined in the other system ("nonsupported units"). Thus, if a user of such a scale desired to use a class for which the rate table was defined in the nonsupported units, he either had to manually calculate the rate from a printed ratE~ chart or he had to employ a second postal scale that could calculate rates from a rate table defined in the nonsupported units.
Similar inconvenience arose for classes for which there were alternative rate tables, one defined in metric and the other in avoirdupois. For such classes the user might find it advantageous to compare the rates applicable to a particular item according to both tables in order to see if a rate according to one table was lower. For example, assume that for a particular class with alternative rate tables, the charge for shipping an item weighing one pound or less is $2.00, while the charge for an item weighing more than a pound but not more than two pounds is $2.50.
Further assume that according to the metric rate table, the $2. U0 charge applies to items weighing 500 grams or less, and the $2.50 charge applies to items weighing more than 500 grams but not more than a kilogram. for an item weighing more than a pound (454 grams) but: not more than 500 grams, it would be advantageous to use the metric rate table, which provides a shipping charge of $2.00 as compared to the avoirdupois rate table, whichrprovides a $2.-'i0 charge. In such a case, with prior art scales, the user had to consult a second scale or a printed rate table, in order to compare the charges resulting from the alternative rate tables.
Summarv of the Invention It is an object of this invention to provide an electronic postal scale that determines the weight, and corresponding rate, fo:r an item in both metric and avoirdupois rate units. An electronic postal scale according to the present invention includes means that provides a signal representing the weight of the item, and means for generating input signals, including a weight system selection signal. The scale also includes a rate table memory and a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives the weight signal and the weight system selection signal and selects a weight system in accordance with the weight selection signal. The microprocessor then calculates a postal rate for the item in accordance with 20119"9 the weight signal, the selected weight system and a rate table stored in the rate table memory.
According to another aspect of the invention, for a given class selected by the user, the microprocessor determines if a rate table defined in the currently selected weight system is available in the rate table memory. If not, the microprocessor selects another weight system and calculates a postal rate for the item in accordance with the other weight system.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will. become apparent in light of the following description thereof.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the electronic components of a postal scale according to the invention.
Fig. 2 is a representation of the software architecture of t:he scale of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a flow chart of the operation of the scale of Fig. 1 with respect to selection of metric: or avoirdupois weight units.
Fig. 4 is a flow chart of the operation of the scale of Fig. 1 with respect to a "Repeat Key" funcaion.
Fig. 5 is a sample manifest generated by the scale of Fig. 1.
Det2~iled Description of the Invention Referring to Figure 1, the hardware arrangement of postal scale 10 is wel:L known and includes microprocessor 12. In a preferred embodiment of the invention microprocessor 12 is a model 80C88 available from Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, California.
20.19 ~ 9 When an item to be mailed (not shown) is placed on the tray (not shown) of scale 10, conventional load cell 14 provides a signal indicative of the weight of the item. In a preferred embodiment of the invention load cell 14 is a Mark: III load cell available from Weigh-Tronix, Inc., Santa Rosa, California.
In a manner well known to those skilled in the art, analog signal conditioning circuitry 16 receives the signal from load cell 14, conditions the signal and converts it into digital information which it provides. to microprocessor 12. Microprocessor 12 converts the information into data representing the weight~of the item in either metric or avoirdupois units.
Microprocessor 12 receives signals frcam keyswitch 15.'' matrix 18, which preferably comprises a 6x.7 matrix.
Through keyswitch matrix 18 the user is able to select the desired class of service and to input alphanumeric information such as destination zone or postal code.
Microprocessor 12 drives function annunciators 20 and display 22. Function annunciators 20 are preferably light emitaing diodes (LEDS), and indicate to th:e user what funcaion(s) scale 10 is performing. Display 22 displays to the user alphanumeric :information such as the weight or postal rate applicable to the item to be mailed as well as user instruction prompts and error messages. Display 22 preferably comprises a vacuum fluorescent display of 8 sevE~n-segment numeric and 16 fourteen-segment alphanumeric characters.
Microprocessor 12 :is interconnected with input/output porter 24, through which microprocessor 12 is able to ~0~.19~3~
IsETRIC AND AVOIRDUPOIS llEItiBT U~iITB
Field of the Invention The invention relates to an electronic postal/shipping scale that provides a weight and a postage charge for an item to be shipped in either metric or avoirdupois units.
Background of the Invention Electronic postal/shipping scales (hereinafter "postal scales'") are known. Prior art postal scales are described in ,..-U.S. Patents Nos. 4,718,506 and 4,864,521, both of which are assigned to the assignee of this application.
The avoirdupois system of measuring weight, based on ounces and pounds, is used in the United States. The metric system of measuring weight, based on grams and kilograms, is used in Europe. In some countries both weight measuring systems are used.
The amount charged by parcel carriers (which term should be understood to include postal authorities) for carriage of a particular item often depends on the weight of the item, the desired destination for the item and the class of service to be provided. From this point forward "class"
should be understood to mean a particular class of service provided by a particular parcel carrier. Typically for each class a rate table is provided which specifies the ~aag amount to be charged according to the weight category into which the item falls and, perhaps, also ac:cording to the zone in which the destination is located. The weight categories for a given rate table must, of. course, be defined in terms of either avoirdupois or metric units.
Some carriers, in some countries, may provide for a given class two rate tables, one defined in avoirdupois units and the other in metric units. For other classes, only one rate table is provided, the table being defined in one of the weight measuring systems.
Postal scales according to prior art have been able to display an item's weight either in avoirdupois or metric units, at the operator's option. But such prior art scales were capable of automatically calculating parcel rates only from rate tables defined in one of the weight measuring systems ("supported units") and not from rate tables defined in the other system ("nonsupported units"). Thus, if a user of such a scale desired to use a class for which the rate table was defined in the nonsupported units, he either had to manually calculate the rate from a printed ratE~ chart or he had to employ a second postal scale that could calculate rates from a rate table defined in the nonsupported units.
Similar inconvenience arose for classes for which there were alternative rate tables, one defined in metric and the other in avoirdupois. For such classes the user might find it advantageous to compare the rates applicable to a particular item according to both tables in order to see if a rate according to one table was lower. For example, assume that for a particular class with alternative rate tables, the charge for shipping an item weighing one pound or less is $2.00, while the charge for an item weighing more than a pound but not more than two pounds is $2.50.
Further assume that according to the metric rate table, the $2. U0 charge applies to items weighing 500 grams or less, and the $2.50 charge applies to items weighing more than 500 grams but not more than a kilogram. for an item weighing more than a pound (454 grams) but: not more than 500 grams, it would be advantageous to use the metric rate table, which provides a shipping charge of $2.00 as compared to the avoirdupois rate table, whichrprovides a $2.-'i0 charge. In such a case, with prior art scales, the user had to consult a second scale or a printed rate table, in order to compare the charges resulting from the alternative rate tables.
Summarv of the Invention It is an object of this invention to provide an electronic postal scale that determines the weight, and corresponding rate, fo:r an item in both metric and avoirdupois rate units. An electronic postal scale according to the present invention includes means that provides a signal representing the weight of the item, and means for generating input signals, including a weight system selection signal. The scale also includes a rate table memory and a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives the weight signal and the weight system selection signal and selects a weight system in accordance with the weight selection signal. The microprocessor then calculates a postal rate for the item in accordance with 20119"9 the weight signal, the selected weight system and a rate table stored in the rate table memory.
According to another aspect of the invention, for a given class selected by the user, the microprocessor determines if a rate table defined in the currently selected weight system is available in the rate table memory. If not, the microprocessor selects another weight system and calculates a postal rate for the item in accordance with the other weight system.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will. become apparent in light of the following description thereof.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the electronic components of a postal scale according to the invention.
Fig. 2 is a representation of the software architecture of t:he scale of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a flow chart of the operation of the scale of Fig. 1 with respect to selection of metric: or avoirdupois weight units.
Fig. 4 is a flow chart of the operation of the scale of Fig. 1 with respect to a "Repeat Key" funcaion.
Fig. 5 is a sample manifest generated by the scale of Fig. 1.
Det2~iled Description of the Invention Referring to Figure 1, the hardware arrangement of postal scale 10 is wel:L known and includes microprocessor 12. In a preferred embodiment of the invention microprocessor 12 is a model 80C88 available from Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, California.
20.19 ~ 9 When an item to be mailed (not shown) is placed on the tray (not shown) of scale 10, conventional load cell 14 provides a signal indicative of the weight of the item. In a preferred embodiment of the invention load cell 14 is a Mark: III load cell available from Weigh-Tronix, Inc., Santa Rosa, California.
In a manner well known to those skilled in the art, analog signal conditioning circuitry 16 receives the signal from load cell 14, conditions the signal and converts it into digital information which it provides. to microprocessor 12. Microprocessor 12 converts the information into data representing the weight~of the item in either metric or avoirdupois units.
Microprocessor 12 receives signals frcam keyswitch 15.'' matrix 18, which preferably comprises a 6x.7 matrix.
Through keyswitch matrix 18 the user is able to select the desired class of service and to input alphanumeric information such as destination zone or postal code.
Microprocessor 12 drives function annunciators 20 and display 22. Function annunciators 20 are preferably light emitaing diodes (LEDS), and indicate to th:e user what funcaion(s) scale 10 is performing. Display 22 displays to the user alphanumeric :information such as the weight or postal rate applicable to the item to be mailed as well as user instruction prompts and error messages. Display 22 preferably comprises a vacuum fluorescent display of 8 sevE~n-segment numeric and 16 fourteen-segment alphanumeric characters.
Microprocessor 12 :is interconnected with input/output porter 24, through which microprocessor 12 is able to ~0~.19~3~
control and/or exchange data with external. devices (not shown) such as postage meters, parcel registers, printers, scanners or computers. Input/output port; 24 preferably comprise up to 8 ports of which some are adapted to RS232 comnnunications, some a:re adapted to echopl.ex communications and some are configurable either for RS232 or echoplex.
Control memory 26 is accessible by microprocessor 12 and contains the software for controlling the operation of scaJ'.e 10. Rate memory 28 is accessible by microprocessor 1t~ 12 and contains a directory, postal code t:o zone conversion information and rate tables. Control memory 26 and rate memory 28 preferably comprise electricall~~ programmable read only memory chips.
Random access memory (RAM) 30 is acce~;sible by 1!i mica..°oprocessor 12 for read or write operations. RAM 30 is prei_°erably battery backed up and is used, for example, for storing shipping transaction information from which manifests or activity reports may be generated.
In certain embodiments scale 10 may a:l.so include input 2t) dev_Lces such as a bar code reader, an optional character reader or a touch screen. These devices may be used for entry of item weight data or other informa=~tion.
The software architecture of scale 10 is well known and may be described by reference to Fig. 2.
25 System manager 50 handles console inpi.it commands, weight display and interpretation and system level initialization. System manager 50 also updates global data structures and concurrently, via time slices, handles sevE:ral of the software subsystems.
_7_ Console input/output module 52 intera<as with system man~~ger 50 and handles user interface through keyswitch matrix 18 and display 22. Module 52 may also be directed to handle input/output through an external terminal (not shown) and/or input from a barcode reader (not shown).
Input/output manager module 54 inters<-ts with system manager 50 and manages input and output through input/output ports 24 with external devicsas (not shown) suclh as one or more line printers, a label printer, one or more barcode scanners, and a host computer-.
Echoplex C-driver module 56 interacts with system manager 50 and manages echoplex communication through input/output ports 24 with external devicfas (not shown) suclh as a postage meter, a parcel register, a document 1.5 printer and a mailroom management computer. Echoplex communication is described in U.S. patent; nos. 4,535,421 and 4,301,507.
Scale manager module ,58 interacts with system manager 50 and maintains correct weight and scale status for the 2p system. In addition to load cell 14 of scale l0, module 58 is .able to manage a remote scale platform (not shown) and ' to :receive manual weight input through ke~,rswitch matrix 18.
Rate manager module 60 builds up the :sate structure for the current transaction and provides an interface between 25 system manager 50 and rate subsystem module 62. Rate subsystem module 62 accesses rate memory 28 in order to obtain the appropriate rate information from the appropriate rate table in rate memory 28.
Transaction manager module 64 interacts with system :30 manager 50 and builds up for each transaction the _g_ transaction file to be recorded into the c;iata base. Data base manager module 66 also interacts witty system manager 50 and comprises file manager module 68 and report generator module 70. File manager module 68 handles file maintenance functions including appending, pack/unpack and search/void of individual transactions anti indexing and sorting subsections of the data base. Re~~ort generator module 70 generates formatted reports for output through input/output manager module 54 to a line ~urinter, document printer or label printer.
Operation of scale 10 to provide weigtuts and rates in both weight measuring aystems may be described by reference to I~ig. 3. The operation begins with selection of the current units ( step 102 ) .
lei Upon power up of s~~ale 10, one of the two weight mea:~uring systems is selected as the system to be used for the next weighing operation. The system :;o selected will herE~after be referred 'to as the "current rinits". The weictht measuring system that is not the current units at a given time, will be referred to as the "ot:her units". The selection of the current units is preferar:>ly accomplished by :>etting or resetting a flag located in a specific memory location. The state of that flag is interpreted by the sca7!e software as representing the selection of either metric units or avoirdupois units as the current units.
Microprocessor 12 converts digital information received from analog signal conditioning circuitry 16 into weight information denominated in both metric and avoirdupois unii;s. Two separate algorithms are provic:led for conversion of i:he digital information, one for convex°sion to metric ~~~Zy~~
_g_ information, the other for conversion to ~=avoirdupois information. Each algorithm is well knowzn to those skilled in t:he art .
Depending on the state of the flag, ether the metric or t:he avoirdupois weight information wild be displayed and used for rating. If the flag is .in a fir:;t state the metric information is ,used for display anc:l rating. If the flag is in a second state, the avoirdupoi.: information is used for display and rating.
l~~ In a preferred embodiment of this invention, metric unity are selected as 'the current units ez~ch time scale 10 is powered up. Metric units are accordinrlly'referred to as the "primary units". 'Thus, for the first weighing operation after power ,ap the current unite will be metric, unless the user change; the current units in the manner described below.
For subsequent weighing operations, true "Repeat Key"
funcaion, which is dis,~ussed below, may affect which weight mea:>uring system will be the current unite. For the 2C~ purpose of the following discussion of Fic:~. 3 it will be assumed that the "Repeat KEey" function hay:, not been actuated.
The latest weighing/rating operation ~s complete, and ' the next weighing operation begins, when ~:;cale 10 senses, in a well known manner, that there is no item to be weighed pre:>ent upon the tray of the scale 10. At:. that point, the primary units, i.e. metric, are selected ~a.s the current unity (step 104) and the scale shows a zemo weight in the current units on display 2<r .
%~~115 r ~
The current units having been selectec., scale 10 waits until an item is placed on the tray and a stable weight signal is provided by analog signal conditioning circuitry 16 (;step 108). Alternatively, weight data may be input through keyswitch matrix 18 or by other iruput means such as a bar code reader. Once a stable, non-zero weight signal is ~>rovided, microprocessor 12 converts t)'~,e weight signal into the current units, and the weight of the item in the current units is shown on display 22 (stex~ 110).
1« Microprocessor :L2 also causes display 22 t:o display a prompt text, instructing the user to select a class (step 112). Scale 10 then waits until the user has'selected a clans (step 114). When the user has selecaed a class, through actuation of keyswitch matrix 18, the process of lei rate table look up begins.
It should be under:~tood that for each class that may be selected by the user, there are four possible cases:
Case 1: Two rate i~ables, one defined in metric units and one defined in avoirdupois units, are available in 20 rate memory 28.
Case 2: Only a rare table defined in the current units is available in rare memory 28.
Case 3: Only a rare table defined in the other units is available in rare memory 28.
25 Case 4: The class selected is not a valid class. If this occurs, scale 10 displays an errc:,r message such as "INVALID CLASS" and then once again prompts for class selection.
It will be assumed that. a valid class is selected at 30 steF~ 114, so that Case 1, Case 2 or Case :: applies.
As will be seen, the table look up pr<::cess, as illustrated in Fig. 3, will depend on which of those three casea is applicable to the selected c:Lass.
Case 1 First, let :it be a:~sumed that case 1 applies to the claws selected at step 114. At step .116, system manager module 50 calls rate manager. module 60 anc! passes to rate man~iger module 60 an indication as to whether the current unity are metric or avoirdupois. Acting through rate l~l subs:ystem module 62 , r~~te manager 60 determines whether a ratE: table defined in 'the current units i:. available for the selected class (step 116). Since by ~~.ssumption case 1 applies, such a rate table is available, ~_jnd step 118 fol7.ows. At step 118, Rate Manager module: 60 builds up the l~~ ratE: structure, the rate for the item is then displayed, and the weight in the ~~urrEmt units contirmes to be displayed, all in a manner well known to i:hose skilled in the art. If required lby the rating proce~a or by the user's application, step 118 may also include entry of destination information via keysw.i.tch mats°ix 18, zip to , zone conversion, setting and tripping of a~ postage meter or register or printing of a manifest transacaion item, all of which are well known.
At any time after step 118, the user may via keyswitch matrix 22 actuate a change in the current units (step 120).
This change will be referred to as "wei.ght: toggling". Such actuation brings about step 122, in which system manager 50 changes the state of the f_Lag representino,~ the current unila. Thus, if the current units were mretric before 3p wei<lht toggling, the changed state of the f:Lag will cause 2(~~_19'~~~
the current units to becomEe avoirdupoi:~. Conversely, if the current units were avoirdupois before weight toggling, the changed state of the flag will cause the current units to k>ecome metric. The current units in ei'fect after the change will be referred to as the "new cuxrent units".
A repetition of sty=_p 17_6 follows step 122. On this performance of step 116, rate manager 60 r.etermines whether a rate table defined in the new current urvits is available for the previou.>ly selected class. Since it has been lc~ assumed for this Case :1 that rate tables ~~re available for both weight measuring ;systems, step 118 ac:ain follows step 116. This time during step 118, display <:2 shows the item's weight in the new current units arc., also shows a ratE: amount reflecting the rate table that. is defined in 1!~ the new current units.
The user may continue t:o actuate weigYat toggles if he desires, changing back and forth between the two weight meal>uring systems. Each time he does so the newly selected current units will be used for weighing aa~d rating.
2~~ Case 2 It is now assumed that for the=_ class :-;elected in step 114 only one rate tables is available, that. one being defined in the current unit=s as in effect at the time the cla:a is selected. In this case the px-occ~ss continues 2!~ through steps 116, 118, 120 (when actuatec't by the user) and then step 122, as desc:ribecL for Case 1 ab<me. However, in this Case 2, during th~~ repetition of stets 716, which occurs after the operator-actuated weight toggling operation of steps 120 and :L22, rate manager 60 determines 30 that: no rate table is ~~vailable for the n<~w current units 20~_19::~
and so indicates to sy;~tem manager 50. Step 124 follows, in which system manager 50 determines whether the latest attempt to rate (step 116) followed an operator weight toggle (step 120). As this was the case, step 126 follows, in which display 22 shows t_he item's weight in the new current units, but no :rate is displayed. Since no rate is displayed, there can b~e no printing of a manifest item, or setting of a postage meter or register. .~f "PRINT" is actuated at this point (Step 128), no prixnting occurs.
1« Instead display 22 displays a prompt such as "Toggle Units"
(Step 130) .
At this point, or imme<tiately after step '126 :if "PRINT"
is not actuated, scale 10 again is receptive to an operator weight toggle (step 120). If actuated by the user, steps 1~~ 122 and 116 will follow, and this time stf~p 118 wall follow step 116, since the user will have "toggled back" to the weight measuring system for which a rate table is ava~.lable.
Case 3 2p It is now assumed 'that f:or the class :;elected in step 114 only one rate table is available, that. one not being def~.ned in the ~~urrent units as in effect at the time the cla:as is selected. In this case 3, during the first instance of step 116, rate manager 50 determines no rate 2~5 tabl_e is available for the current units <und so indicates to :system manager 50. Step 124 follows, :in which system manager 50 determines whether the latest :;tep 116 followed an operator weight tog~~le. As this was nc>t the case (bec:ause step 116 followed step 1:L4), the next step is step 132, in which system manager. 50 changes tlue state of the -14- %~~119'9 flag representing the current units. As before, that change causes the current units to change from metric to avoirdupois or from avoirdupois to metric, as the case may be. As this weight toggle is actuated by scale 10 itself, rather than by the user, it will be referred to as an "internal weight toggle".
Following step 132 is a repetition of step 116. By assumption, a rate table for the selected class and defined in the new current units is available. Accordingly step 118 follows, the item's weight is shown in the new current units and rate information is shown reflecting the rate table defined in the new current units.
If an operator weight toggle is now actuated (steps 120 and 122), the resulting step 116 will be followed by steps 124 and 126, because the user will have "toggled back" to the weight measuring system for which no rate table is available.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, scale 10 is receptive,to operator weight toggling, not only at the times referred to above, but also at any other time that an operator instruction prompt is not displayed on display 22 and keyswitch matrix 18 is polled for input. It should be understood that each time operator weight toggling occurs, it is actuated by the user through keyswitch matrix 18.
Microprocessor 12 detects such actuation and changes the state of the flag for indicating the current units, as discussed above. Thereafter, the new current units will be used for rating and weight display until the state of the flag is again changed by, e.g. an internal weight toggle, another operator weight toggle, or power down and power up.
~o~lg~s The "Repeat Key" function may be described by reference to Figures 4 and 3. Operation of the "Class Recall"
function commences at completion of a previous weighing and rating operation by actuation of the "Repeat Key" function through keyswitch matrix 18 (step 150). If "Repeat Key" is not actuated, the primary units are selected to be the current units (step 152) and step 108 of Fig. 3 follows.
If the "Repeat Key" function is actuated, the most recent current units from the previous operation are selected to be the current units (step 154) and the class most recently selected in the previous operation is selected as the class to be used for rating in the present operation (step 156) scale 10 then waits until an item is placed on the tray and a stable weight signal is provided by analog signal conditioning circuitry 16 (step 158). Step 116 of Fig. 3 then follows step 158.
Having thus described an embodiment for weighing and rating items in both metric and avoirdupois units, its advantages can be appreciated. Variations of the described 2G embodiment may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
Control memory 26 is accessible by microprocessor 12 and contains the software for controlling the operation of scaJ'.e 10. Rate memory 28 is accessible by microprocessor 1t~ 12 and contains a directory, postal code t:o zone conversion information and rate tables. Control memory 26 and rate memory 28 preferably comprise electricall~~ programmable read only memory chips.
Random access memory (RAM) 30 is acce~;sible by 1!i mica..°oprocessor 12 for read or write operations. RAM 30 is prei_°erably battery backed up and is used, for example, for storing shipping transaction information from which manifests or activity reports may be generated.
In certain embodiments scale 10 may a:l.so include input 2t) dev_Lces such as a bar code reader, an optional character reader or a touch screen. These devices may be used for entry of item weight data or other informa=~tion.
The software architecture of scale 10 is well known and may be described by reference to Fig. 2.
25 System manager 50 handles console inpi.it commands, weight display and interpretation and system level initialization. System manager 50 also updates global data structures and concurrently, via time slices, handles sevE:ral of the software subsystems.
_7_ Console input/output module 52 intera<as with system man~~ger 50 and handles user interface through keyswitch matrix 18 and display 22. Module 52 may also be directed to handle input/output through an external terminal (not shown) and/or input from a barcode reader (not shown).
Input/output manager module 54 inters<-ts with system manager 50 and manages input and output through input/output ports 24 with external devicsas (not shown) suclh as one or more line printers, a label printer, one or more barcode scanners, and a host computer-.
Echoplex C-driver module 56 interacts with system manager 50 and manages echoplex communication through input/output ports 24 with external devicfas (not shown) suclh as a postage meter, a parcel register, a document 1.5 printer and a mailroom management computer. Echoplex communication is described in U.S. patent; nos. 4,535,421 and 4,301,507.
Scale manager module ,58 interacts with system manager 50 and maintains correct weight and scale status for the 2p system. In addition to load cell 14 of scale l0, module 58 is .able to manage a remote scale platform (not shown) and ' to :receive manual weight input through ke~,rswitch matrix 18.
Rate manager module 60 builds up the :sate structure for the current transaction and provides an interface between 25 system manager 50 and rate subsystem module 62. Rate subsystem module 62 accesses rate memory 28 in order to obtain the appropriate rate information from the appropriate rate table in rate memory 28.
Transaction manager module 64 interacts with system :30 manager 50 and builds up for each transaction the _g_ transaction file to be recorded into the c;iata base. Data base manager module 66 also interacts witty system manager 50 and comprises file manager module 68 and report generator module 70. File manager module 68 handles file maintenance functions including appending, pack/unpack and search/void of individual transactions anti indexing and sorting subsections of the data base. Re~~ort generator module 70 generates formatted reports for output through input/output manager module 54 to a line ~urinter, document printer or label printer.
Operation of scale 10 to provide weigtuts and rates in both weight measuring aystems may be described by reference to I~ig. 3. The operation begins with selection of the current units ( step 102 ) .
lei Upon power up of s~~ale 10, one of the two weight mea:~uring systems is selected as the system to be used for the next weighing operation. The system :;o selected will herE~after be referred 'to as the "current rinits". The weictht measuring system that is not the current units at a given time, will be referred to as the "ot:her units". The selection of the current units is preferar:>ly accomplished by :>etting or resetting a flag located in a specific memory location. The state of that flag is interpreted by the sca7!e software as representing the selection of either metric units or avoirdupois units as the current units.
Microprocessor 12 converts digital information received from analog signal conditioning circuitry 16 into weight information denominated in both metric and avoirdupois unii;s. Two separate algorithms are provic:led for conversion of i:he digital information, one for convex°sion to metric ~~~Zy~~
_g_ information, the other for conversion to ~=avoirdupois information. Each algorithm is well knowzn to those skilled in t:he art .
Depending on the state of the flag, ether the metric or t:he avoirdupois weight information wild be displayed and used for rating. If the flag is .in a fir:;t state the metric information is ,used for display anc:l rating. If the flag is in a second state, the avoirdupoi.: information is used for display and rating.
l~~ In a preferred embodiment of this invention, metric unity are selected as 'the current units ez~ch time scale 10 is powered up. Metric units are accordinrlly'referred to as the "primary units". 'Thus, for the first weighing operation after power ,ap the current unite will be metric, unless the user change; the current units in the manner described below.
For subsequent weighing operations, true "Repeat Key"
funcaion, which is dis,~ussed below, may affect which weight mea:>uring system will be the current unite. For the 2C~ purpose of the following discussion of Fic:~. 3 it will be assumed that the "Repeat KEey" function hay:, not been actuated.
The latest weighing/rating operation ~s complete, and ' the next weighing operation begins, when ~:;cale 10 senses, in a well known manner, that there is no item to be weighed pre:>ent upon the tray of the scale 10. At:. that point, the primary units, i.e. metric, are selected ~a.s the current unity (step 104) and the scale shows a zemo weight in the current units on display 2<r .
%~~115 r ~
The current units having been selectec., scale 10 waits until an item is placed on the tray and a stable weight signal is provided by analog signal conditioning circuitry 16 (;step 108). Alternatively, weight data may be input through keyswitch matrix 18 or by other iruput means such as a bar code reader. Once a stable, non-zero weight signal is ~>rovided, microprocessor 12 converts t)'~,e weight signal into the current units, and the weight of the item in the current units is shown on display 22 (stex~ 110).
1« Microprocessor :L2 also causes display 22 t:o display a prompt text, instructing the user to select a class (step 112). Scale 10 then waits until the user has'selected a clans (step 114). When the user has selecaed a class, through actuation of keyswitch matrix 18, the process of lei rate table look up begins.
It should be under:~tood that for each class that may be selected by the user, there are four possible cases:
Case 1: Two rate i~ables, one defined in metric units and one defined in avoirdupois units, are available in 20 rate memory 28.
Case 2: Only a rare table defined in the current units is available in rare memory 28.
Case 3: Only a rare table defined in the other units is available in rare memory 28.
25 Case 4: The class selected is not a valid class. If this occurs, scale 10 displays an errc:,r message such as "INVALID CLASS" and then once again prompts for class selection.
It will be assumed that. a valid class is selected at 30 steF~ 114, so that Case 1, Case 2 or Case :: applies.
As will be seen, the table look up pr<::cess, as illustrated in Fig. 3, will depend on which of those three casea is applicable to the selected c:Lass.
Case 1 First, let :it be a:~sumed that case 1 applies to the claws selected at step 114. At step .116, system manager module 50 calls rate manager. module 60 anc! passes to rate man~iger module 60 an indication as to whether the current unity are metric or avoirdupois. Acting through rate l~l subs:ystem module 62 , r~~te manager 60 determines whether a ratE: table defined in 'the current units i:. available for the selected class (step 116). Since by ~~.ssumption case 1 applies, such a rate table is available, ~_jnd step 118 fol7.ows. At step 118, Rate Manager module: 60 builds up the l~~ ratE: structure, the rate for the item is then displayed, and the weight in the ~~urrEmt units contirmes to be displayed, all in a manner well known to i:hose skilled in the art. If required lby the rating proce~a or by the user's application, step 118 may also include entry of destination information via keysw.i.tch mats°ix 18, zip to , zone conversion, setting and tripping of a~ postage meter or register or printing of a manifest transacaion item, all of which are well known.
At any time after step 118, the user may via keyswitch matrix 22 actuate a change in the current units (step 120).
This change will be referred to as "wei.ght: toggling". Such actuation brings about step 122, in which system manager 50 changes the state of the f_Lag representino,~ the current unila. Thus, if the current units were mretric before 3p wei<lht toggling, the changed state of the f:Lag will cause 2(~~_19'~~~
the current units to becomEe avoirdupoi:~. Conversely, if the current units were avoirdupois before weight toggling, the changed state of the flag will cause the current units to k>ecome metric. The current units in ei'fect after the change will be referred to as the "new cuxrent units".
A repetition of sty=_p 17_6 follows step 122. On this performance of step 116, rate manager 60 r.etermines whether a rate table defined in the new current urvits is available for the previou.>ly selected class. Since it has been lc~ assumed for this Case :1 that rate tables ~~re available for both weight measuring ;systems, step 118 ac:ain follows step 116. This time during step 118, display <:2 shows the item's weight in the new current units arc., also shows a ratE: amount reflecting the rate table that. is defined in 1!~ the new current units.
The user may continue t:o actuate weigYat toggles if he desires, changing back and forth between the two weight meal>uring systems. Each time he does so the newly selected current units will be used for weighing aa~d rating.
2~~ Case 2 It is now assumed that for the=_ class :-;elected in step 114 only one rate tables is available, that. one being defined in the current unit=s as in effect at the time the cla:a is selected. In this case the px-occ~ss continues 2!~ through steps 116, 118, 120 (when actuatec't by the user) and then step 122, as desc:ribecL for Case 1 ab<me. However, in this Case 2, during th~~ repetition of stets 716, which occurs after the operator-actuated weight toggling operation of steps 120 and :L22, rate manager 60 determines 30 that: no rate table is ~~vailable for the n<~w current units 20~_19::~
and so indicates to sy;~tem manager 50. Step 124 follows, in which system manager 50 determines whether the latest attempt to rate (step 116) followed an operator weight toggle (step 120). As this was the case, step 126 follows, in which display 22 shows t_he item's weight in the new current units, but no :rate is displayed. Since no rate is displayed, there can b~e no printing of a manifest item, or setting of a postage meter or register. .~f "PRINT" is actuated at this point (Step 128), no prixnting occurs.
1« Instead display 22 displays a prompt such as "Toggle Units"
(Step 130) .
At this point, or imme<tiately after step '126 :if "PRINT"
is not actuated, scale 10 again is receptive to an operator weight toggle (step 120). If actuated by the user, steps 1~~ 122 and 116 will follow, and this time stf~p 118 wall follow step 116, since the user will have "toggled back" to the weight measuring system for which a rate table is ava~.lable.
Case 3 2p It is now assumed 'that f:or the class :;elected in step 114 only one rate table is available, that. one not being def~.ned in the ~~urrent units as in effect at the time the cla:as is selected. In this case 3, during the first instance of step 116, rate manager 50 determines no rate 2~5 tabl_e is available for the current units <und so indicates to :system manager 50. Step 124 follows, :in which system manager 50 determines whether the latest :;tep 116 followed an operator weight tog~~le. As this was nc>t the case (bec:ause step 116 followed step 1:L4), the next step is step 132, in which system manager. 50 changes tlue state of the -14- %~~119'9 flag representing the current units. As before, that change causes the current units to change from metric to avoirdupois or from avoirdupois to metric, as the case may be. As this weight toggle is actuated by scale 10 itself, rather than by the user, it will be referred to as an "internal weight toggle".
Following step 132 is a repetition of step 116. By assumption, a rate table for the selected class and defined in the new current units is available. Accordingly step 118 follows, the item's weight is shown in the new current units and rate information is shown reflecting the rate table defined in the new current units.
If an operator weight toggle is now actuated (steps 120 and 122), the resulting step 116 will be followed by steps 124 and 126, because the user will have "toggled back" to the weight measuring system for which no rate table is available.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, scale 10 is receptive,to operator weight toggling, not only at the times referred to above, but also at any other time that an operator instruction prompt is not displayed on display 22 and keyswitch matrix 18 is polled for input. It should be understood that each time operator weight toggling occurs, it is actuated by the user through keyswitch matrix 18.
Microprocessor 12 detects such actuation and changes the state of the flag for indicating the current units, as discussed above. Thereafter, the new current units will be used for rating and weight display until the state of the flag is again changed by, e.g. an internal weight toggle, another operator weight toggle, or power down and power up.
~o~lg~s The "Repeat Key" function may be described by reference to Figures 4 and 3. Operation of the "Class Recall"
function commences at completion of a previous weighing and rating operation by actuation of the "Repeat Key" function through keyswitch matrix 18 (step 150). If "Repeat Key" is not actuated, the primary units are selected to be the current units (step 152) and step 108 of Fig. 3 follows.
If the "Repeat Key" function is actuated, the most recent current units from the previous operation are selected to be the current units (step 154) and the class most recently selected in the previous operation is selected as the class to be used for rating in the present operation (step 156) scale 10 then waits until an item is placed on the tray and a stable weight signal is provided by analog signal conditioning circuitry 16 (step 158). Step 116 of Fig. 3 then follows step 158.
Having thus described an embodiment for weighing and rating items in both metric and avoirdupois units, its advantages can be appreciated. Variations of the described 2G embodiment may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (15)
1. A postal scale comprising:
(a) weighing means for supplying a signal representative of the weight of an item;
(b) weight selecting means for selecting a current system of weights from a predetermined plurality of systems of weights;
(c) class selecting means for selecting a desired class of service from a predetermined plurality of classes of service;
(d) rate table memory means for storing a plurality of rate tables, said memory means storing at least one rate table for each of said classes of service, said plurality of rate tables comprising at least one rate table defined in a first of said systems of weights, said plurality of rate tables comprising at least one other rate table defined in a second of said systems of weights; and e) calculating means, responsive to said weighing means, said weight selecting means and said class selecting means, for calculating a postal rate for said item as a function of the weight of said item and in accordance with said desired class of service; said calculating means accessing said at least one rate table if said current system is said first system of weights; said calculating means accessing said at least one other table if said current system is said second system of weights.
(a) weighing means for supplying a signal representative of the weight of an item;
(b) weight selecting means for selecting a current system of weights from a predetermined plurality of systems of weights;
(c) class selecting means for selecting a desired class of service from a predetermined plurality of classes of service;
(d) rate table memory means for storing a plurality of rate tables, said memory means storing at least one rate table for each of said classes of service, said plurality of rate tables comprising at least one rate table defined in a first of said systems of weights, said plurality of rate tables comprising at least one other rate table defined in a second of said systems of weights; and e) calculating means, responsive to said weighing means, said weight selecting means and said class selecting means, for calculating a postal rate for said item as a function of the weight of said item and in accordance with said desired class of service; said calculating means accessing said at least one rate table if said current system is said first system of weights; said calculating means accessing said at least one other table if said current system is said second system of weights.
2. A postal scale as described in claim 1 wherein said plurality of systems of weights includes a primary system of weights and said weight selecting means is responsive to an initialization signal generated whenever said scale is activated to select said primary system of weights as said current system of weights.
3. A postal scale as described in claim 2 further comprising input means for input of signals by an operator and wherein said weight selecting means is responsive to a particular signal from said input means to change said current system of weights.
4. A postal scale as described in claim 3 wherein said class selecting means is responsive to other signals from said input means to select said desired class of service and said weight selecting means is responsive to selection of said desired class and said current system of weights to change said current system of weights when said current system and said desired class are incompatible.
5. A postal scale as described in claim 1 wherein said predetermined plurality of systems of weights comprises the avoirdupois system and the metric system and said calculating means is adapted to calculate a postal rate for said item according to the avoirdupois system and according to the metric system.
6. A postal scale as described in claim 5 wherein said plurality of systems of weights includes a primary system of weights and said weight selecting means is responsive to an initialization signal generated whenever said scale is activated to select said primary system of weights as said current system of weights.
7. A postal scale as described in claim 6 further comprising input means for input of signals by an operator and wherein said weight selecting means is responsive to a particular signal from said input means to change said current system of weights.
8. A postal scale as described in claim 7 wherein said class selecting means is responsive to other signals from said input means to select said desired class of service and said weight selecting means is responsive to selection of said desired class and said current system of weights to change said current system of weights when said current system and said desired class are incompatible.
9. A postal scale comprising:
(a) weighing means for supplying a weight signal representative of the weight of an item;
(b) input means for generating input signals, said input signals including a weight system selection signal and a class selection signal;
(c) a memory for storing rate table data; and (d) a microprocessor programmed for:
i) receiving said weight signal from said weighing means;
ii) receiving said input signals from said input means;
iii) selecting a weight system from a predetermined plurality of weight systems in accordance with said weight system selection signal;
iv) selecting a claims of service in accordance with said class selection signal;
v) determining whether said memory stores a rate table for said selected class that is defined in terms of said selected weight system;
vi) calculating a postal rate for the item in accordance with said weight signal, said selected weight system, and rate table data stored in said memory, if said microprocessor determines that said memory stores such a rate table; and vii) if said microprocessor determines that said memory does not store such a rate table, selecting another weight system and. calculating a postal rate for the item in accordance with said weight signal, said other selected weight system, said class selection signal, and rate table data stored in said memory.
(a) weighing means for supplying a weight signal representative of the weight of an item;
(b) input means for generating input signals, said input signals including a weight system selection signal and a class selection signal;
(c) a memory for storing rate table data; and (d) a microprocessor programmed for:
i) receiving said weight signal from said weighing means;
ii) receiving said input signals from said input means;
iii) selecting a weight system from a predetermined plurality of weight systems in accordance with said weight system selection signal;
iv) selecting a claims of service in accordance with said class selection signal;
v) determining whether said memory stores a rate table for said selected class that is defined in terms of said selected weight system;
vi) calculating a postal rate for the item in accordance with said weight signal, said selected weight system, and rate table data stored in said memory, if said microprocessor determines that said memory stores such a rate table; and vii) if said microprocessor determines that said memory does not store such a rate table, selecting another weight system and. calculating a postal rate for the item in accordance with said weight signal, said other selected weight system, said class selection signal, and rate table data stored in said memory.
10. A postal scale as described in claim 9, wherein said rate table data comprises at least one metric rate table and at least one avoirdupois rate table.
11. A postal scale as described in claim 10, wherein said microprocessor applies a first algorithm to said weight signal, thereby generating metric weight information corresponding to said weight signal and said microprocessor applies a second algorithm to said weight signal, thereby generating avoirdupois weight information corresponding to said weight signal.
12. A postal scale as described in claim 10, further comprising a printer and wherein said microprocessor is programmed for generating a report and causing said printer to print said report, said report comprising a plurality of transaction line items, at least one of said line items comprising metric weight information and a second at least one of said line items comprising avoirdupois weight information.
13. A postal scale as described in claim 12, wherein said report is a parcel carrier manifest.
14. In a postal scale having weighing means, calculating means, weight system selecting means, class selecting means, and a memory that stores rate tables, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) selecting a weight system;
(b) selecting a class;
(c) weighing an item to be mailed;
(d) determining whether said memory stores a rate table for said selected class that is defined according to said selected weight system; and (e) if said memory stores such a rate table, calculating a shipping charge for said item to be mailed in accordance with the weight of said item, said selected class and said selected weight system.
(a) selecting a weight system;
(b) selecting a class;
(c) weighing an item to be mailed;
(d) determining whether said memory stores a rate table for said selected class that is defined according to said selected weight system; and (e) if said memory stores such a rate table, calculating a shipping charge for said item to be mailed in accordance with the weight of said item, said selected class and said selected weight system.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising the steps of (f) selecting another weight system if said memory does not store such a rate table; and (g) calculating a shipping charge for said item to be mailed in accordance with the weight of said item, said selected class and said other selected weight system.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/465,675 US5024282A (en) | 1990-01-16 | 1990-01-16 | Electronic postal rating scale operable in metric and avoirdupois weight units |
| US465,675 | 1990-01-16 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2011979A1 CA2011979A1 (en) | 1991-07-16 |
| CA2011979C true CA2011979C (en) | 2000-10-31 |
Family
ID=23848726
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002011979A Expired - Lifetime CA2011979C (en) | 1990-01-16 | 1990-03-12 | Electronic postal rating scale operable in metric and avoirdupois weight units |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5024282A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2011979C (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5270938A (en) * | 1990-11-13 | 1993-12-14 | Pitney Bowes, Inc. | Mail piece weight monitoring system and method |
| JP2526460B2 (en) * | 1992-02-26 | 1996-08-21 | 株式会社島津製作所 | Electronic balance |
| CH688980A5 (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1998-06-30 | Mettler Toledo Gmbh | A method for selecting and configuring Waegeprogrammen in the balances and scales for the execution of the process. |
| US5960418A (en) * | 1997-07-14 | 1999-09-28 | Pitney Bowes Ltd. | Multi-currency postage meter |
| US6178412B1 (en) * | 1999-04-19 | 2001-01-23 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Postage metering system having separable modules with multiple currency capability and synchronization |
| US7324968B2 (en) | 2002-03-25 | 2008-01-29 | Paid, Inc. | Method and system for improved online auction |
| US20040093311A1 (en) * | 2002-11-13 | 2004-05-13 | Michael Chew | Device, system, and method for administering shipping charges in a shopping chart |
| USD497560S1 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2004-10-26 | Pelstar, L.L.C. | Digital rate calculating postage scale |
| WO2004079309A1 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2004-09-16 | Pelstar, L.L.C. | Downloadable digital rate calculating scale |
| USD490735S1 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2004-06-01 | Pelstar, L.L.C. | Keypad for a digital rate calculating postage scale |
| US20050160054A1 (en) * | 2004-01-16 | 2005-07-21 | Pitney Bowes Incorporated | System and method for determining postal rates |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4308579A (en) * | 1979-02-21 | 1981-12-29 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Multiprocessor parcel postage metering system having serial data bus |
| US4595984A (en) * | 1982-10-22 | 1986-06-17 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Apparatus and method for determining special postage fees |
| US4535419A (en) * | 1982-10-22 | 1985-08-13 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | System and method for computing fractional postage values |
| US4868757A (en) * | 1983-12-16 | 1989-09-19 | Pi Electronics Corporation | Computerized integrated electronic mailing/addressing apparatus |
-
1990
- 1990-01-16 US US07/465,675 patent/US5024282A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-03-12 CA CA002011979A patent/CA2011979C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2011979A1 (en) | 1991-07-16 |
| US5024282A (en) | 1991-06-18 |
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