Parallel path weight measurement system for sheet handling devices
US7601923B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01G19/005
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A weighing system is provided to measure the article weight by first and second weight measurement devices. The first and second weight measurement devices each include a platform adapted to accept an article traveling along an upstream processing path and a device for sensing article weight as the article traverses the platform. Furthermore, the platforms of the first and second weight measurement devices define weight acquisition paths which are substantially parallel to one another. A diverter mechanism is provided to direct articles from the upstream processing path to one of the first or second weight acquisition paths. The diverter mechanism is controlled by a system processor which directs articles to one of the weight measurement devices depending upon its status, i.e., whether the path is available to receive another article for measuring weight. By diverting mailpieces to parallel weight acquisition paths, throughput is enhanced by multiple weight measurements occurring simultaneously.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.