Hobart Corporation

Robert M Rogers

Edwin E Boshinski

Fritz F Treiber

Russell E Bowers

Robert C Meckstroth

Kenneth C Allen

In a film wrapping machine for wrapping packages in stretchable film, a monitoring system is provided to generate a signal each time film is drawn into the machine. If no film is drawn into the machine indicating that the film source has expired, broken or otherwise become disengaged from the film feeding apparatus for the wrapping machine, the machine is stopped. The film draw into the machine is monitored by an electrical switch which is coupled to a tensioning roller, the motion of which is adjusted to activate the switch each time even at least a minimum length of film is drawn into the machine.

Film supply monitor for film wrapping machine

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 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 microcomputer. 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.

An apparatus allowing the ticket printer of a computing scale to be used for printing normal weight, value and price per unit weight labels or alternately for printing labels indicating a manually entered selling price. The selling price label can be used in sale by unit or sale by count merchandise pricing. Dual use of the normal scale printer for preparing either type of label reduces the equipment needed at a pricing station in addition to lowering the investment required for machine printed merchandise pricing. Automatic changeover from the weighed value to the sale by unit mode of operation in response to scale weight indication is also disclosed.

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Troy, OH, United States of America

Robert M Rogers