US3439760A - Automatic printing price scale with photoelectric encoder including range and motion detectors - Google Patents

Automatic printing price scale with photoelectric encoder including range and motion detectors Download PDF

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US3439760A
US3439760A US316290A US3439760DA US3439760A US 3439760 A US3439760 A US 3439760A US 316290 A US316290 A US 316290A US 3439760D A US3439760D A US 3439760DA US 3439760 A US3439760 A US 3439760A
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scale
relay
relays
weight
photocells
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Kenneth C Allen
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Hobart Corp
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Hobart Corp
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Assigned to HOBART CORPORATION A CORP OF DE. reassignment HOBART CORPORATION A CORP OF DE. ASSIGNS AS OF JANUARY 22, 1985 THE ENTIRE INTEREST Assignors: HOBART CORPORATION
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G23/00—Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
    • G01G23/18—Indicating devices, e.g. for remote indication; Recording devices; Scales, e.g. graduated
    • G01G23/36—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells
    • G01G23/361—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells using photoelectric cells
    • 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
    • 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
    • G01G19/4144—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 weight of goods in commercial establishments, e.g. supermarket, P.O.S. systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G23/00—Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
    • G01G23/18—Indicating devices, e.g. for remote indication; Recording devices; Scales, e.g. graduated

Definitions

  • This invention relates to weighing scales for automatic
  • the invention more particularly relates to a weighing scale including a weight readout system whichprovides an yelectrical digitalsignal-corresponding to ,the weight of an article placed on a platten'The weight signalwhich is formed is such that it may then be combined with the cost perunit weight of the commodity weighed in a-computer to'fproduce a valu'ecf the article,*andfa ticket printed and issued'of such values.
  • the mechanical portion of the weighing'mechanisml of the scale may be constructed according to the projecting scale shown in the United States patent to Meeker et al., 2,723,113, assigned to the same assignee as this application, wherein a chart is supported for movement according to the weight on the platter.
  • a lensv system projects an enlarged image of the encoded chart onto a mask positioned adjacent the transducers.
  • Apparatus may also be employed to project an image of the weight in arabic numerals for viewing by the operator.
  • the digital readout portion of this Vinvention includes switches or relays which are operated according to the illumination of selected ones of the transducers.
  • the scale of this invention provides rapid analogue to digital conversion and is read outby the employment of photoelectric transducers which are arranged-to respond to a projected portion of a movable chart carried lby the scale'balance mechanism, The weight represented by ditferentchart positions is :encoded on the chart in a pattern of translucent and opaque binary markingswhich control the energization of the transducers.”
  • any continuous encodedfindicating device concerns the necessity for making distinctions'between adjacent numbers, such as between 19.99 and 20.00. As the scale moves from the lower number to the higher number, or vice versa, four digits in the above example must change simultaneously. lf the device responding to the encodedl chart responds to less than foury ofthe digit changes in this example, an error results.
  • the cycle variation is based on iive'rather than transducers are preferably photocells which undergo a decrease in resistance upon the incidence 0f light.
  • the -circuitsfurther include a motion ldetector for signaling when the scale has come to rest with a load on the platter.
  • the balance position of the chart is read and stored in the readout circuits with such speed that there is no need to lock the scale at balance.
  • the transducers are made insensitive to any further movement of the scale following the readout of the chart'to prevent the possible input of erroneous information.
  • Another circuit senses a balance position of the scale and 4chart either above or below a i given ran'ge of weights for the system and prevents an automatic start under such conditions.
  • a nonrepeat circuit assures that only one weighing and readoutcycle occurs for each separate weighing operation.
  • the readout circuits of this invention provide direct conversion from the binary-cyclic-biquinary code into the corresponding decimal equivalent representing the Weight of an article placed on the scale platter. This results in the simplification and increased reliability of the weight readout circuit.
  • a principal .object of this invention to provide a Weighing scale as outlined above incorporating apparatus for the digital readout into decimal equivalents of a weight represented by a binary cyclic code.
  • a further important object of this invention is to provide a weighing scale as outlined above having a cyclic digital system with direct decimal readout employment in a value computer.
  • Another object of this invention is the provision of a weighing scale as outlined above characterized by a minimum of moving mechanical components and the elimination of the motors, scanners,'mechanical readout switches, the platter switch, and the like.
  • a still further object ofthis invention is the provision of an electrical digital readout weighing scale characterized by high speed.
  • a still further object of this invention is the provision of an automatic weighing scale as outlined above which reads out weight information ,sufficiently fast so that there is no need for any separate provision for holding or locking the scale to prevent error due to motion during readout.
  • Another object of this invention is the provision of a load sensing 'circuit-A operating by means of a signal ⁇ from atente@r the binarycode Aonda chartto sense when more than a ⁇ minimum weight is on the scale platter and prevent automatic operation withless than such minimum weight.
  • a further object of lthis invention is the provision of an error interlocking operating through the code on the chart to prevent automatic operation when the scale is at balance below z'ero or above a predetermined weight.
  • Another object of this invention is the provision of an automatic weighing scale utilizing a binary-cyclic-biquinary encoded ⁇ counting or weight indicating and translating system.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of ya computing Vscale systern which mayhave a scale made according to this invention
  • ⁇ FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the weighing scale of the invention
  • FIG. ⁇ 3 is an elevational view of and mask
  • FIG.I4 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the binary code of ⁇ this invention.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 together form the photocell and relay circuits for each ofthe rows or columns of binary markings onfthe chart;
  • FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the ladder arrangement of the relay contacts for determining the fevenness" or oddness of a translated true number and for operating a ⁇ complements indicating relay accordingly;
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 are wiring diagrams of the output contacts of the read out relays and complements indicating relays providing direct decimal indications of weight
  • FIG. 10 is a wiring diagramV of some of the control circuits of this invention. and t e FIG. 1l illustrates the electrical symbols employed in FIGS. 7-10.
  • FIG. l an automatic computing scale system is shown in FIG. l as including a weighing scale having a scale platform 21.
  • the *scale 20 is shown as including a window 22 for reading the weight, and the usual tare adjustment 24.
  • the computer is shown as mounted adjacent the scale 20 .and receives the weight information from the scale for combining with a price per unit of weight to compute the value of a weighed article.
  • the computer is preferably constructed according to the teachings of the United States patent to Allen, No. 3,045,229 of July 17, 1962, which will be referred to herein asthe Allen computer patent.
  • a series of price input knobs 26, 27 and 28 are mounted on a printer 30 and provide the means by which the unit price may be set into the computer 25.
  • the printer 30 may be constructed according tothe teachings of the United States patents to Allen, No. 2,948,465, and t0 Allen et al., No. 2,948,466, and operates to print and issue a label showing the unit price, weight and computed value.
  • the mechanical weighing mechanism ofthe scale 20 may be constructed according to the teachings of United States patent to Meeker et al., 2,723,113, assigned to the same assignee as this application. Referring to the diagram of FIG. 2, it will be seen that the scale 20 includes the usual lever connected for movement with the platter 21. An optical chart 36 is supported for unidirectional movement in a vertical plane by the lever 35 according tothe balance position of the scale platform 21. ⁇ Weight information, i.e., arange of weights, is encoded onthe chart 36 into ⁇ closely spaced rows 37 of binary marks shown with exaggerated spacing in FIG. 2. and comprising patterns of alternating opaque and transparent areas.
  • the chartv36 forms a part of an optical projection system shown as including a tixediprojection lamp 40 and a lens 41 to concentrate thek light of the t lamp filament on the chart 36.
  • a projection lens 42 projects an enlarged image 37 of a small vertical extent of the chart rows 37 onto the surface of a photocell mask 45, and in each balance position of the scale, the transparentand opaque portions of the columns 37 form a unique pattern indicative of the corresponding particular weight.
  • the invention includes photoelectric means for reading out the portion of a code on the chart 36 corresponding to the weight on the platter, consisting of a plurality of photocells Sti, one for each of the rows 37.
  • Each photocell 50 is positioned immediately behind a slit 55 in the mask 4S. However, for the purpose of illustration, the photocells 50 are shown in FIG. 2 as being spaced away from the mask.
  • the photocells 50 undergo a decrease in resistance with light falling on the photocell window, to operate as current gates or valves.
  • a particularly useful photocell for this purpose is designated type CL I604, manufactured by Clairex Corporation, 19 W. Twenty-Sixth St'., New York 1G, NY.
  • the photocells 50 are retained in a cell block 52, as shown in FIG. 3. There are provided as many of the cells 50 as there are rows of binary information on the chart 36, and in this embodiment, fourteen photocells are employed. In order to conserve space within the optical system, and to position the cells 50 as closely to the center of the optical axis as practicable, the photocells are arranged in clustered relation as shown, with five in each of two rows and four in the third row, with each of the cells 50 being spaced laterally from the adjacent cells and from the cells in the adjacent rows.
  • the mask 45 is secured to the front face of the cell block 52 and includes image-defining openings or slits 55, one for each of the photocells 50.
  • the slits 55 may be approximately ten thousandths of ⁇ an inch wide and are accurately positioned in relation to the rows 37 of the projected image of the chart 36, as indicated by the representation of the projected image 37' of the columns 37 in FIG. 2 and as also shown in FIG. 3.
  • the relative positionsof each of the rows on the chart 36 are staggered vertically in order to conform to the position of the slits 5S on the mask 45
  • the effective width of the slits is smaller than the smallest division of the projected image of the code formed on the chart 36 and accurately aligned with respect to the projected image.
  • the slits 55 obviate the necessity for accurate positioning of the photocells with respect to the projected pattern, and since each slit is smallerin effective area than the smallest division of the projected pattern, it restricts the chart image which is projected onto ⁇ its associated photocell to a small and clearly defined portion of the projected image.
  • the cell block 52 may be provided with heater means for maintaining a constant temperature of the photocells 50 in order to eliminate the effects of drift due to variations ⁇ in temperature.
  • a low wattage heater 56 may be attached to one surface of the cell block 52 for the purpose of maintaining the photocells 50 at such a constant temperature.
  • the output of the photocells 50 is applied to circuits for converting the binary coded information into its decimal equivalents, as represented by the block 58 in FIG. 2, and as shown in FIGS. 5-10.
  • the binary equivalent of the Weight to the closest one hundredth 0f a pound is then applied to the computer 25.
  • the cod e wherein one can count to infinity by changing only one bit of information for each numerical change in thegcommon decimal system.
  • Table I An example of this system is shown in Table I, wherein there is acolumn of decimal numbers on the left anda column of cyclic decimal numbers on the right.- It willk benoted from an examination of Table I that as one moves from,9 to 10 in the decimal system, the cyclic decimal changesl from 9to ⁇ 19 and countsl downwardly tothe cyclic decimal 10, which, in turncorrespo'nds to 19 in thedecimal system. In changingv from 19 to 20 in the decimal system, both digits must be switched.
  • the cyclic biquinary numbering system shown in Table II hasbeen derived from the above system.
  • a pair ofv digitsv are employed to represent a single decimal numberwherein the digits to 4 are yused inthe lower order, ⁇ of the pair and a 0 o r a 1 inthe higher ⁇ order of the pair.
  • the occurrence of a 0 or 1 in the higher order of the pair directs whether the lower order represents a true numberv or whether it represents the 9s complement.
  • the significance of the O :or the 1 inthe Ahigher order of the pair of numbers is dependentupon whether the translated true number of the next higher order pair of digits is odd or even. If the next higher decimal number is even, ythe 0 .directstheuse of the significant number and the 1 directs the useof 'its 9s complement-The meaning of() or 1 isreversed if the higher order translated true number is odd.
  • the cyclic biquinary number 13 dictates that the true decimal number is6, the 9s ,complement of 3. VIn this example, the higher order decimal is an even ⁇ (lso thaty the 1 inthe second columndirects the use of the 9s complement of 3'.
  • Table III represents the cyclic biquinary code of Table II in binary form.
  • Table III four columns or rows of binary indications are employed to indicate a single decimal column.
  • the first three rows of each grouping of four rows represent whole decimal numbers of 0 through 4, and the fourth' Vrow indicates whether or not the 9s complement of the number represented by the first three rows is intended.
  • the arrangement of binary indications representing 0 through 4 may take kany one of several forms, but once this is determined, it is maintained uniformly throughout the counting system.
  • the numeral 1 - is employed to indicate the occurrence or presence of a ⁇ binary indication or digit
  • the 0 ' is used to indicate the abvsence ofabinary indication.
  • some form of indication is employed to represent a true zero rather than the lackof indication as is commonly employed in binary systems. Therefore, 0001 represents the whole decimal number of 0in each of the groups of rows or columns.
  • the preferred embodiment of this invention l consists of an automatic weighing scale which is'partcularly adapted for use as the automatic weighing scale'in a computing scale system such as described and claimed in the above Allen computer patent.
  • a. scale system having a maximum weighing capacity of 24.99 pounds.
  • the scale described herein uses three groups of four columns of binary markings which represent .respectively the hundredths of pounds, tenths of pounds, and pounds of Weight on the scale platter. Only two binary rows are required to represent the tens of pounds since this will either be 0, l or 2 for a scale of the given capacity of 25.00 pounds.
  • fourteen columns of binary indications are employed to count to 25.00 (which are, in fact, sufficient to count to 29.99)
  • the A through N indicated in Table II above the several columns designate these columns and also designate relays A through N which are individually operated in accordance with the' binary indication'at any particular balance position within the columns.
  • An examination of Table III indicates that particular groups of the relays A through N will be operated for each decimal position.
  • the tabulation shown in Table IV illustrates the operation of the relays A, B, C and the complements indicator D in the column through the digits0-9. 1
  • the 0 binary bits comprise the opaque areas on the chart 36.
  • the physical arrangement of the rows A through N of binary indications may be varied on the chart 36Iwithin wide limits, as long as the associated photocell Si) and slit 55 reading the particular column are correspondingly located to receive the projected image of the particular column which it is to scan.
  • the columns A-N l may be formed concentrical-ly on a disk, or wrapped about a drum.
  • the binary indications of the columns are stagged vertically one in relation to another to correspond to the physical placement or grouping of the Ycorresponding cells 50 withinv the block 52, but forconvenienceof understanding the principlesof the invention, they are represented in FIG, 4 asif the fourteen photocells were all arranged in alphabetical order and in -a single horizontal line.
  • y y p Referring ,to FIG.
  • a column comprises dark areas each having a vertical extent of four ⁇ units and spaced six units apart, and since as already noted, these dark areas represent transparent portions of the chart, it follows that light will be transmitted to the A photocell only when the digit in the hundredths of a pound column is 8, 9, 0 or l.
  • the C column is identical with the A column except that it is displaced with respect thereto so that light falls on the C photocell only when the digit in the hundredths co1- umn'is 3, 4, 5 or 6.
  • the 'B column contains sections of dark areas each three units in vertical extent and spaced two units apart, while the D column comprises alternating light and dark units each of a vertical extent often units.
  • the fourcolumns E, F, G and H are similartorthe columns A, B, C and D respectively except that thelight and dark areas therein are each ten times the vertical extent ot the corresponding column for the hundredths of a pound digits because they yrepresent the next higher decimal order.
  • the E and G columns include dark areas extending below zero and above the indicatedvcapacity of 25.00 pounds, so that the E and 'G photocells both receive light whenever the balance position of the scale is below zero or above 25 pounds, for a reason pointed out hereinafter.
  • th-aththe I, J, K and L columns are also similar to the columns A, B, C and D, respectively, but have the light and dark area therein each one hundred times the vertical extent of the corresponding A, B, C or D column.
  • the M and N columns correspond in relative arrangement to the A and B columns, but each area therein is one thousand times the vertical extent of the corresponding area in the A or B column, with the exception that the dark area of the M column is removed below .1l pound -for a reason pointed out hereinafter.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 of the electrical wiring diagram wherein respective photocells 50'associat ⁇ ed with the code columns A through N are shown in conjunction with their associated relays A through N.
  • the photocells 50 are designated individually as Fa, Fb, Fc, et cetera, according to the binary column A, B' or C with which they are associated.
  • the relays controlled by the photocells are correspondingly designated as relays A, B and C, et cetera.
  • Each of the photocells 50 is connected to a common power lead which has applied thereto, through either normally open contacts P-1 or normally closed contacts 1 of control relays P or Q,'a ⁇ negative full wave recticd and unfiltered DC voltage which may be inthe order of 300 volts.
  • the photocells are each similarly connected to a common return lead 81 through load resistorsZ.
  • the irnpedence of the photocell may drop in the order of 5:1, such as from .5 megohm to .1 megohm, thereby developing a lmore negative voltage at the junction 84 between the photocell 50 and the load resistor 82.
  • Relay operating means for the relays A-N mayinclude thyratron tubes which are grid controlled by the photocells, but preferably include four-layer diodes 85 which are identified by the identifications Va-Vn, in conformance with the above-established notations.
  • the four-layer diodes may be of the Shockley type 4E-200 which have the characteristic of thyratrons in that a negative pulse at the base of the diode will set the diode into a state of conduction, and it will continue to conduct until the voltage isA removed from the anode.
  • u i It will be seen from an examination of FIGS. 5 and 6 that the four-layer diodes 85- are connected in series with the associated relays A-N between a lead 86 andthe common lead.81. A full wave unfiltered DC voltage for operating the relays A-N is applied to the lead 86, andmay be in the order of 24 volts.
  • a conventional di'ode 88 extends between the, junction ofthe cathode of the four-layer diodes 85 and the load resistor 82 to ground, for each of the circuits associated with the photocells F, through Fn.
  • The-diodes 88V provide a low im- 4pedence conducting path for the four-layer diodes 85 while blocking the dissipation ofthe load signal effected 9. by the photocells 50.
  • each of the relays A throughN is provided with a resistor S9 connected effectively in parallel with the relay coil kbetween the line 86 carrying the power for the relays, and the junction of each relay and its diode 85.
  • the purpose of the resistors 89 is to provide an instantaneous current for the four-layer diodes Va n in order to hold the diodes conducting while the current is building in the associated relay coils.
  • circuits Fa, ,Fc and Fm, Fn are provided with additional components since these photocells are also used as motion detectors and weight presence indicators, and their functions will be described in greater ⁇ detail below.
  • the contacts of the relays A-N are combined rwith those ofthree complements indicating relays X, Y, and Z as shown in FIGS. 7 8 and 9 to provide direct binary to decimal readout cir-cuit means for the binary code ou the chart 36.
  • FIG. 8 it will be seen that the contacts of relays A, B and Care arranged' in a matrix to apply a ground signal selectively to the digits -.4 in the one-hundredths of a pound leads indicated generally at 100.
  • the 9s complements are applied through normally open contacts of the complement relay X.
  • the complements relay X is operated by the circuit shown in FIG. 7.
  • a ground is applied to the number 5 terminal through aclosed contact of the complements indicator relay X and a closed contact of relay C.
  • the circuits may easily be traced for the numerals 6, 7, 8 and 9 as outlined in Table IV'.
  • the complements indicator relays X, Y and Z, respectively, representing the complements of the hundedths of a pound, tenths of pound and pounds, are operated by a signal applied through the ladder circuit of FIG. 7. This circuit electrically determines the evenness or oddness of the preceding translated binary number and determines whether the significant number or the 9s complement of the next lower order number is tobe used.
  • the ladder circuit includes yboth normally open and normally closed contacts of the relays D through N.
  • the arrangement of contacts is not unlike that of an electric circuit where a light is controlled by a plurality of switches.
  • the full complement of M and N relay contacts is not needed since, in this example, the maximum tens of pounds column digit is limited at two. Only a pair of contacts of the D complement indicator relay is needed, since it will control only the X complement relay for the hundredths of pound column. Also, no contacts of the A, Bor C relays arev needed, since these represent the lowest order and cannot have any effect upon any further complements.
  • the highest order number is an odd number
  • a ground is applied at position 106 on the ladder.
  • the higher order number being an odd number indicates that the 9s complement of the lower order number must be used, ⁇ and the complements relay Z is operated.
  • lf relay L is operated and the highest order num- Iber is an even number, relay Z is operated.
  • the two odds make an even and the complements relay ZZ will not be operated since the number indicated by the relay I, l and K would then .be a true number.
  • FIG. 9 shows the additional contact connections for indicating the tenths of a pound, pounds, and tens of pounds of weight and for application of a weighting scale computer.
  • the circuits of FIGS. 8 and 9 are particularly adapted for use with the computer of the Allen computer patent.
  • the computer includes a programmer for selecting, in sequence, the hundredths of a pound, tenths of a pound, pounds and tens of pounds stored weight information.
  • the outputs 100 in FIG. 8 correspond to, and be electrically connected to, the contacts 185 in FIG. 16 of the Allen computer patent.
  • the wiper 190 of that patent would not be used, but the ground common lead 101 of the hundredths of a pound contacts corresponds to that wiper.
  • the combined output leads of FIG. 9, which are sequentially applied to the tenths of pounds, pounds and tens of pounds circuits correspond to, and may be electrically connected to, the fixed contacts 265 in FIG. 17 of the Allen computer patent.
  • a relay 316 in the Allen computer patent is operated to apply the information stored in the matrix corresponding to the closed contacts of the relays A, B, C or X to the Allen computer patents weight storage ⁇ relay 3110-315 for hundredths of a pound.
  • the computer relay 316 is released and, in doing so, applies power to the relays S20-325 of the Allen computer patent.
  • relay 326 has been operated, and thus a ground is supplied through contact 326A in lead 121 of the tenths of a pound matrix (FIG. 9).
  • the weight information thus stored in the matrix comprising the closed contacts of relays E, F, G and Y is then applied to the computer and stored by the tenth of a pound storage relays S20-325 in the Allen computer patent.
  • a computer may receive the directly converted numerical outputs of this invention and use them to combine with unit price for computing the value of the article which has been weighed. It is obvious that the invention is not limited to sequential read out, since all of the closed ones of the contact groups of FIGS. 8 and 9 may be sensed simultaneously and used directly, or the information stored.
  • Control circuits and operation In the automatic weighing system ofthe Allen computer patent, there are provided controls and interlocks which initiate or permit certain automatic operations and prevents or block others under various circumstances.
  • system included control circuits for indicating that a weight had been placed on the platter, and that the scale ⁇ had come to balance, and the system of this invention also includes weight detecting means which must be operated, or be Ibypassed manually in orderv to initiate the automatic scale and computer operation.
  • the weight detecting circuit in the Allen computer patent included a platter switch, namely the switch 55, but in the apparatus of this invention, a signal is taken or generated from the chart itself to indicate that more than a small weight is on the platter, such as one tenth of a pound or more.
  • the control circuit for the readout includes the start relay P, and as shown in FIG.
  • this circuit includes a pair of normally open contacts M-l and N1 of the N and M relays connected in parallel so that either one of these contacts can operate relay P through a normally closed contact ⁇ Q-3 of the power control relay Q and a closed contact O-1 of the nonrepeat relay O. It neither of relays M or N is operated, this indicates that there is less than a minimum weight on the scale, and relay P does not operate.
  • the balance or scale motion detecting circuit may be as described and claimed in the copending application of Allen, Ser. No. 220,765, tiled Aug. 3l, 1962, and assigned to the same assignee as this invention. In that application, there is described a portion of the circuit including the relays A and C employed as motion sensors or detectors. Only so much of the motion sensing control circuits is described herein as necessary to an understanding of the operation of this portion of the control circuit.
  • the motion detection circuit uses a portion o'f the photocell readout circuit of relays A and C during scale movement, and includes a circuit for sensing the dropout ofeither relay A or C for signaling that the platter has come to rest. Since the binary markings of columns A and C are mutually exclusive in the sense that relays A or C willnever be operated simultaneously at any balance position of the scale, then it follows that when either of relays A or C is released following a delayed dropout, the scale is at balance, regardless of the state of the other relay. A feature of this arrangement, which is described and claimed in the application Ser. No.
  • the photocell motion detecting circuit using two photocells, is not adversely aifected by small vibrations, since the arrangements of the photocells and the binary markings are such that at any balance position, at least one of the photocells A or C will be at a steady state condition.
  • relays 30S, O, P. Q and R and all of relays A to N will be released, as well as the relays having the contacts 309, 316, 326, 336, 346, 347 and 613, and the signal light 232 will be lighted.
  • the chart will begin to move and cause the photocell F, to operate its associated four-layer diode Va, causing relay A to close ⁇ and to be locked in this position for the reason that the inductive currents in photocell la are not bypassed in any manner, and these currents hold the four-layer diode operated across the null point of the full-wave unfiltered power supply.
  • relay C will operate and similarly be held by the memory function of its four-layer diode Vc.
  • relays A and C will now operate relay R. If the weight exceeds .l0 lb., then simultaneously with the operation of relays A and C, either or both of relays M and N will operate, and this will cause the operation of relay P and the extinguishing of the ready light 232.
  • the closing of contacts P-Z now establishes a shunt path around relays A and C, and since relay R is already closed, these two relays are shunted by condensers and 131 and their associated current limiting resistors 132 and 133.
  • photocells Fa and Fc will be alternately operated by the coded chart 36 at slower and slower speeds, and when the balance point is nearly reached, one or both of photocells Fa and Fc will remain unlit. Since contacts P-2 and contacts R-l and R-2 are now bypassingthe inductive currents of relays A and C, these relays are completely under the -control of their associated photocells, because the four-layer diodes Va and Vc will no longer be receiving current during the ⁇ null period of the DC power supply. Therefore, one of ⁇ these four-layer diodes will stop conducting, and the associated relay A or C will remain operated only sufficiently long to discharge its associated condenser 130 or 131.
  • relay Q will operate and set up its own holding circuit through contacts Q-6. Closing of relay Q will al-sofclose its contacts Q-S as one of the conditions for starting the computer and will open contacts Q-4 and thereby remove the bypass through diodes 140 and 141 from relays lM and N, and this will establish the holding conditions for the four-layer diodes Vm land Vn. At the same time, closing of contacts Q-2 will provide power to the relays B and D through line S6, and the openingof contacts Q-1 will eliminate one of the sources of power for line 80.
  • relay Pr will release and thereby cut offpower through line 80 to the photocells.
  • the release of relay 'P opens contacts P-2, thus removing the bypass circuits'frorn relays A and C and thereby establishing the memory functions of their associatedfour-layer diodes Va and Vc; More specifically, this action rende'rsthe systeni insensitive to any 'further scale motion, since all of the four-layer diodes were ii'red or not according to the position of the chart 36, and those which were fired remain in that condition after power was removed from the photocells.
  • relay 309l Closing of relay 309l will also release relay 308, and this will in turn close the relays having the contacts 326,336, and 346 as described in the Allen computer p-atent.
  • a relay 347. in the computer operates, thus opening the holding circuit to relay Q as shown in FIG. l0.
  • Relay Q releases, and conditions are now identical with those which existed at the start of this description with the exception that relay O has been operated, and this prevents any further computer operation through the opening of contacts 0 1 which prevent any operation of relay P.
  • a manual switching 262 is accordingly connected in the circuit as shown in FIG. 10 to -bypass the M, N and O contacts and thereby vto provide for manual closing of relay P. This will initiate operation of the complete cycle as already described following the closing of relay P.
  • the scale further includes means for automatically sensing if the scale mechanism is in a position less than zero, or if the mechanism is in a position which exceeds the weighing capacity of the scale.
  • Table 1V it will be seen that relays E and G are never operated simultaneously in accordance with the code. Therefore, the chart is formed arbitrarily below zero, and above a maximum weight (such as above 25 pounds) in such a manner that E and G are caused to operate together, as already noted in connection with FIG. 4.
  • a weight of 00.01 provides a signal of A, Q Q, I.
  • a weight of 25.01 pound arbitrarily v provides a signal of N, L, K, H, Q, E, A.
  • FIG. 9 A circuit for utilizing this condition is shown in FIG. 9 as including a contact G-1 connected to receive a signal through a Contact E-l on the E relay. This signal, provided both the G and E relays are energized, is applied to shunt down the error detecting relay 348 of the Allen computer patent when relay 326 is closed as the result of the reopening of relay 308 as noted above and described in the Allen computer patent, thereby preventing completion of the computing cycle.
  • this invention provides an automatic scale system in which a chart and associated reading transducers are used to determine when a weight has been placed on the platform, to sense motion, and to sense conditions of over and below capacity' situations.
  • Theinventionfurther provides direct readout and cyclic binary to decimal conversion of the binary chart.
  • a unique cyclic biquinary code is employed which reduces the number of binary columns or paths which arev required and therefore reduces the number of readout cornponents required.
  • a unique converting circuit is employed for translating the cyclic biquinary into true decimal numbers.
  • a computing scale system comprising, a weighing mechanism, a chart operatively connected with said mechanism having formed thereon a binary pattern representing a range of decimal weights, a mask having means forming a plurality of openings therein, a projecting system including a light source arranged to project an image of said chart onto said mask, each of said openings being smaller in effective area than the smallest division of said projected pattern, a separate photocell positioned adjacent each of said openings to receive light therethrough, and converter circuit means connected to said photocells and operative to provide an output of the decimal value of the pattern intercepted at said openings.
  • An automatic weighing and price computing system having maximum and minimum weight limits, cornprising a scale mechanism, a chart operatively connected with said mechanism having a binary code formed thereon representing a range of weights which extend beyond said limits, photoelectric transducers positioned to respond to a portion of the code on said chart representing Vweight on the scale, electric circuit means connected to said transducers for translating the observed portion of said code into output signals representing a digital value of said weight, and means responsive to the occurrence of a characteristic combination of transducer outputs signaling the movement of said scale mechanism to a balance position outside of said system limits.
  • An automatic system as defined in claim 3 comprising means responsive to the occurrence of a diferent characteristic output of said transducers signaling motion of said scale and blocking operation of said electric circuit means.
  • an automatic weighing and computing scale system including a platter on a balance mechanism, a projection system including a chart operatively connected with said mechanism and a plurality of photocells positioned to
  • the improvement comprising a plurality of indicia on said chart representing a range of weights arranged in a binary code, said indicia and the range represented thereby extending to a maximum weight above the range of said balance mechanism, read out means connected to receive the output from said photocells and operable to translate said output into electrical signals for employment in the computer representing the weight onisaid platter, and circuit means responsive to a characteristic output of at least two ofV said photocells when said balance mechanism is in a stationary position above the range thereof and connected to prevent automatic operation of said system.
  • an automatic weighing and computing scale system including a platter on a balance mechanism, a projection system including a chart operatively connected with said mechanism and a plurality of photocells positioned to be responsive-to the balance position of said chart, and a computer the improvement comprising a plurality of inldicia on said chart representing a range of weights arranged in a binary code, said indicia and the range represented thereby extending from the minimum weight below zero to a maximum weight above the range of said-balance mechanism, read out means connected to receive ⁇ the output from said photocells and operable to translate said output into electrical signals for employment in the computer representing the weight on said platter, first circuit means responsive to a characteristic output of at least one of said photocells when said mechanism is in a stationary condition at a position with less than zero weight for preventingV automatic operation of said system, and further circuit means responsive to a further characteristic output of at least two of said photocells when said balance mechanism is in a stationary position above the range thereof and connected to prevent automatic operation of said system.
  • a weighing scale comprising a balance mechanism, a projection system including a chart operatively connected with said mechanism and having lformed thereon a binary code representing weight, photocells positioned to intercept the projected image of a portion of said chart, a converter ⁇ circuit connected to receive the output of said photocells, and circuit blocking means including one of said 'photocells responsive to a balance position of said chart with less than a minimum weight on said scale for preventing the operation of said converter circuit.
  • An automatic computing scale system including a weighing scale and a computer, comprising a projection system in said scale including a movable chart having formedthereon a binary code etectively arranged in rows and representing a range of weight, a plurality of photocells positioned to respond to a'portion of the projected image of said chart, there being one of said photocells for each of said rows, converter circuit responsive to whether each said photocell is illuminated or not by said projection system, and means including a pair of said photocells energized simultaneously by movement of said scale to a balance position outside of said weight range and connected to block automatic operation of said computer when said scale is outside of said range of weight.
  • an automatic weighing scale including a balance mechanism
  • the improvement comprising a projection system, a chart in said system movable in proportion to the weight of an article on said scale and having formed thereon a binary code arranged effectively into rows representing a range of weight, a plurality of photocells positioned to respond to a portion of the projected image of said chart corresponding to -the balance position of said mechanism representing the weight of an article on said scale, there being one of said photocells for each of said rows, a converter circuit including a circuit responsive to the operation of each said photocell, circuit means including a pair of said photocells operable upon motion of said weighing mechanism and connected to block the operation of said converterv circuit during the time when said scale mechanism is in motion and thereafter to energize said converter circuit, and means including another said photocell repsonsive to the movement of said scale a predetermined small amount above zero indicating the presence of a weight on said scale and connected to prevent the operation of said converterV circuit when said scale is in a range below said small amount.
  • an automatic weighing and computing scale including a balance mechanism and a projection system including a relatively movable chart and a plurality of photocells positioned to be responsive to the projected indicia on ⁇ said chart, the improvement comprising indicia on said chart arranged in a binary code, controllable readout means for said photocells, and circuit means including at least one of said photocellsrand responsive to a characteristic output of said one photocell when there is less than a small minimum weight on said scale for blockin-gthe operation of said readout means.
  • the weighing and computing scale of claim 11 further including manually operable means for overriding said blocking means to provide for operation of said readout means with said small weight on said scale.
  • an automatic weighing and computing scale system including a platter on a balance mechanism, and a projection system including a chart operatively connected with said mechanism and a plurality of photocells positioned to respond to an image of said chart, the improvement comprising a plurality of indicia on said chart arranged in a binary code, readout means connected to receive the output from said photocells and operable to translate said output into an electrical digital signal representing the weight on said platter at balance, and circuit means including at least one of said photocells and responsive to a characteristic output thereof at balance with less than a predetermined minimum weight on said platter for preventing the automatic operation of said readout means.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Control Of Indicators Other Than Cathode Ray Tubes (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
  • Transmission And Conversion Of Sensor Element Output (AREA)
  • Level Indicators Using A Float (AREA)
US316290A 1963-10-15 1963-10-15 Automatic printing price scale with photoelectric encoder including range and motion detectors Expired - Lifetime US3439760A (en)

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BE (1) BE654426A (de)
CH (1) CH441790A (de)
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SE (1) SE319319B (de)

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US3576545A (en) * 1966-05-26 1971-04-27 Csf Memory for recording a function of four independent variables
US3653015A (en) * 1970-06-01 1972-03-28 Nat Controls Digital scale and method
US3659664A (en) * 1970-06-16 1972-05-02 Sartorius Werke Gmbh Weighing apparatus
US3720275A (en) * 1971-08-04 1973-03-13 A Chmielewski Device for reading pendulum-cam scales beam positions and for placing and removing weights
US3741324A (en) * 1971-05-03 1973-06-26 Hobart Mfg Co Weighing scale with digital display
US3770069A (en) * 1972-11-28 1973-11-06 Reliance Electric Co Computer weigher system with intermediate calculation and display
US3826318A (en) * 1971-06-22 1974-07-30 Heindenhain J Digital weighing scale with an incremental measuring system
US3937287A (en) * 1974-04-17 1976-02-10 Reliance Electric Company Data filtering circuitry
FR2339845A1 (fr) * 1976-01-27 1977-08-26 Hobart Corp Balance calculatrice

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4432760A (en) * 1980-07-21 1984-02-21 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Administration set including burette with pivotable air valve
DE19944163C2 (de) * 1999-09-15 2002-06-20 Festo Ag & Co Staudüse

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US1757072A (en) * 1922-03-16 1930-05-06 Dayton Scale Co Electrical controlling device
US2051781A (en) * 1934-07-27 1936-08-18 Firestone Tire & Rubber Co Integrating control method and apparatus for achieving uniformity of average conditions
US2193590A (en) * 1939-05-05 1940-03-12 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co Antimicrophonic phototube circuit
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US2948464A (en) * 1954-06-11 1960-08-09 Hobart Mfg Co Computing mechanism
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US3120287A (en) * 1957-02-01 1964-02-04 Hobart Mfg Co Weighing scales
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Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3576545A (en) * 1966-05-26 1971-04-27 Csf Memory for recording a function of four independent variables
US3653015A (en) * 1970-06-01 1972-03-28 Nat Controls Digital scale and method
US3659664A (en) * 1970-06-16 1972-05-02 Sartorius Werke Gmbh Weighing apparatus
US3741324A (en) * 1971-05-03 1973-06-26 Hobart Mfg Co Weighing scale with digital display
US3826318A (en) * 1971-06-22 1974-07-30 Heindenhain J Digital weighing scale with an incremental measuring system
US3720275A (en) * 1971-08-04 1973-03-13 A Chmielewski Device for reading pendulum-cam scales beam positions and for placing and removing weights
US3770069A (en) * 1972-11-28 1973-11-06 Reliance Electric Co Computer weigher system with intermediate calculation and display
US3937287A (en) * 1974-04-17 1976-02-10 Reliance Electric Company Data filtering circuitry
FR2339845A1 (fr) * 1976-01-27 1977-08-26 Hobart Corp Balance calculatrice

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE319319B (de) 1970-01-12
BE654426A (de)
GB1088058A (en) 1967-10-18
NL144393B (nl) 1974-12-16
CH441790A (de) 1967-08-15
DE1285194B (de) 1968-12-12
NL6411928A (de) 1965-04-20

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