US4412591A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for selecting operating modes or parameters in an electrical scale
Assignee: Mettler Toledo GmbH Germany
•
Filing: 1981-11-18
•
Granted: 1983-11-01
•
Expires: 2001-11-18
Abstract
Abstract The plurality of selector buttons or keys previously required for selecting a mode or parameter in an electrical scale is replaced by a single key. Depression of the key causes each of the available modes and/or parameters to be selected in sequence. The title of the then-present mode or parameter is displayed. When the desired mode or parameter has been reached the operator releases the key. Submodes or ranges within a given parameter are set by short depression of the key. The sequencing is controlled by a microcomputer. Jumpers may be provided so that certain modes or parameters are eliminated from the sequence for a given application.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur Reichmuth
- 👤 Willy Kunz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 05:49
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01G; G01G23/00; G01G19/00; G01G19/40; G01G19/42; G01G23/01; G01G23/02; G01G23/14; G01G23/18; H; H01; H01H; H01H2300/00; H01H2300/022
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
Method for operator-controlled selection of one of a plurality of operating modes available in an electrical scale having a single selector element, comprising the steps of selecting each of said operating modes in sequence and furnishing a corresponding mode identification signal to said operator during continuous activation by said operator of said single selector element; and wherein said scale subsequently operates in accordance with the mode present when said operator releases said single selector element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
Method for operator-controlled selection of one of a plurality of operating modes available in an electrical scale having a single selector element, comprising the steps of selecting each of said operating modes in sequence and furnishing a corresponding mode identification signal to said operator during continuous activation by said operator of said single selector element; and wherein said scale subsequently operates in accordance with the mode present when said operator releases said single selector element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein activation of said single selector element is a unidirectional operation of said element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one of said modes comprises a first and second submode; and wherein operation of said scale switches from said first to said second or from said second to said first submode in response to a brief activation of said single selector element while said scale is operative in said one of said modes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
82 words
Apparatus for operator controlled selection of one of a plurality of operating modes or parameters of an electrical scale, comprising a single selector element; means for selecting each of said plurality of operating modes or parameters in sequence during continuous activation of said single selector element; means for furnishing to said operator mode identification signals signifying each of said modes when selected; and means responsive to release of said single selector element for operating said scale in accordance with the then-selected mode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
82 words
Apparatus for operator controlled selection of one of a plurality of operating modes or parameters of an electrical scale, comprising a single selector element; means for selecting each of said plurality of operating modes or parameters in sequence during continuous activation of said single selector element; means for furnishing to said operator mode identification signals signifying each of said modes when selected; and means responsive to release of said single selector element for operating said scale in accordance with the then-selected mode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, further comprising means for eliminating at least one of said operating modes from said sequence.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said single selector element is operable in one direction only.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said single selector element is an elongated key.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-10-31 | 1987-05-02 | 1987-11-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-10-31 | 1991-05-02 | 1991-11-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-10-31 | 1995-05-02 | 1995-11-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |