Hobart Corporation

Robert C Meckstroth

Edwin E Boshinski

Robert M Rogers

James R Small

Disclosed is a computing scale system utilizing an integrated circuit microcomputer for computing the value of a product being weighed and for controlling the operation of a label printer associated therewith. The microcomputer operates with 4-bit words, and there is provided a multiplexing network for multiplexing weight, price, and status information into the microcomputer. Weight readings are made by a bank of photosensors, which read the position of a chart moveable in response to weight on the scale platter. Means are provided for performing a parity check on the data read by the weight photocells, and the data so read is converted from Gray code to BCD code by a table lookup routine. The scale system may print labels having weight and computed value, zero weight and fixed value, or weight and fixed value. The scale has both selectable price and weight dead zone capability with adjustable range. There is a motion detection routine employing a variable settling time.

Computing scale system

A computing weighing scale is disclosed wherein a single multi-digit numerical indicator is driven in real time by the scale microcomputer to display, sequentially, weight of the article, price per unit weight, and total price or value of the article. The indicators are part of a display which also includes function words identifying the nature of the information to the scale operator and customer. The scale also includes weight code generating mechanism, a keyboard for entering numerical information, and the micro-computer. The single multi-digit indicator can also display tare weight, which is entered via the keyboard when there is no weight on the platter. If tare is entered and subsequent weight on the platter is less than entered tare, the calculating function is inhibited. If platter motion is detected with weight on the platter, the display will reset to the weight indicating condition and then sequence to show again price per unit weight (if entered) and total price. When all weight is removed from the platter, entered tare is erased, tare is, however, remembered during weight changes above zero weight. Price per unit weight can be entered via the keyboard only when there is some minimum weight on the platter and is remembered for possible recalculation if weight on the platter is changed but not removed, price per unit weight is cancelled when all weight is removed from the platter. Keyboard switches are interrogated a plurality times before entered information is accepted, to assure the key entry is valid and switch contact bounce has terminated. The platter motion detector is disabled for a short time after a key actuation, to avoid system resetting as a result of platter movement which may be induced by keyboard actuation. The microcomputer scans the possible inputs from the scale and the keyboard, and sends output signal to the display, at real time rates which are compatible both with human keyboard manipulation and retention. Scale operation is divided into two portions which are called the communicate and compute cycles; the communicate cycle is usually repeated many times between compute cycles in order that real time information sensing and display operation be possible.

Computing weighing scale

A commodity identification key carrying apertures arranged in rows and columns for organization of commodity identification, parity checking, and clock control information, provision for manually controlled reading of the commodity identification information into storage, provision for repeatedly reading the commodity information out of storage and repeatedly checking the parity thereof, and provision for controlling the printing of a machine readable bar code representative of a commodity identification.

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Dayton, OH, United States of America

Robert C Meckstroth