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