GB2201781A

GB2201781A - Weighing indicator display

Info

Publication number: GB2201781A
Application number: GB08809143A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nils Henrik Dahl; Sven Dooleweerdt
Original assignee: GRUNDTVIG KNUD AS
Current assignee: GRUNDTVIG KNUD AS
Priority date: 1983-03-21
Filing date: 1988-04-18
Publication date: 1988-09-07
Also published as: GB8429043D0; DE3490136T1; NO844613L; GB2146828B; GB2146828A; DK126983D0; GB8809143D0; WO1984003766A1; GB2201781B

Abstract

A weighing indicator display, especially for fare compensated balances by which the indicators, preferably light indicators, associated with the single weighing values are positioned groupwise associated with each other. The branches 4 and 5 of an E shaped display indicate respectively weights above and below a target weight 1. One branch is used to indicate an attained average weight or an attained standard deviation, or both, of a series of weighings. <IMAGE>

Description

Weighing Indicator.

The present invention relates to weighing indicators, especially for tare compensated balances..

Even though indicators epspecially in ela-.

tion to weighing and to balances are considered, nothing prevents that the present ~indicator or embodiment of indicators also may find theirusain relation to other means and purposes than weighing indicators, such as indicators displaying other measurement or signal values, as f.i. light signals, acoustical signal values, etc.

When weighing today, balances mainly present.emhodi- mentswhere indications take place by means of a mechanically or electrically controlled arrow or drum shaped pointing means in a suitable manner being associated with division markings adapted to the weighing units to be indicated, or presenting embodiments wheraalances.comprise digits displaying indicatorsbeing able directly to display the measured weights in units adaptable to the purposes.

Furthermore, balances are employed where1 predetermined1 or according to a test weighing of an objector of only the package for an object, a (fixed) amount or the resulting amount of such a test weighing remains subtracted from the displayed weighing results, .e. that only differences in weight from the test object or that the nett weisht.of the objects within the packages,. according to that of the test sample, become displayed. The present invention presents advantages when being employed in association with such tare compensated balances, but the present invention also lends itself to be employed at balances without tare compensation.

The purpose of the present invention is basicly to provide a weighing indicator, especially for tare compensated balances, whereby it shall be possible more fast to read the indicator with a sufficient accuracy to enable compliance with weighing standaroslaid down in the present regulations being of particular importance by carrying out series of weighings, as f.i. of industrially prepared objects either at their manufacture or in relation to controlling the weights of already manufactured products.

In this cases it can be strenuous to follow the deflections of a pointer in association with a graduated scale behind the pointer or, even though it practically is more easy, to read digitally displayed after each othcr following weight values. Tçer2fore, it is the task of the present invention to provide a kind os f.i. luminous or by other means optically indicating thermometer like scales being possible to-employ at balances of particularly the aforementioned kind.

This task is according to the present invention solved in that way that the indicators, preferably ligh, indicators, associated with the single weighing values are positioned associated groupwise with eaclitother.

Light indicators may thus be light emitting diodes or other kinds of optimally indicating means, such as drum comprising flashing devices or the like or f.i. a single light signal source being 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 weighing equipment to produce a correct indication of the weight, but it might also present an association with the speed whereby the material to be weighed arrives for weighing, f.i. in case of weighing oUt individual amounts of a matria1, each comprising an individual amount of single items or each comprising. an individual portion of material arriving in pulverized con dition, etc.

DSbodLsents of the weighing indicator according to the present invention may thus be such as those described within claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4.

Associated with the groupwise association may also be the embodiment according to the present invention depicted within claim 5.

It is to be remarked, that the groupwise associat also could be provided in that way that there could be re, the central point of weight value crossing, directions ot groups of geometrical configurations of indicators present, whereby each of these crossing directions serves to indicate an attained average valve and/or an attained standard deviation for a certain number of weighing operations enabling a user of the eauipment to follow the practical weighing accuracy he attains, which as well can serve as a support to more safe arriving at a definite average or mean weight value f.i. during a days weighing work, or what might be more important, it purely psychologically supports the reliability of weighing work carried out during the passing of a days work as a report continously is given about what has been done in a well carried out manner, and about what, perhaps due to another quality of that which in between arrives and is weighed, in fact iS yielded, and such information may at piece-work present a real support.

Such solutions may thus be proivided when employing the features described within claim 6.

Thus, an embodiment according to the present invention is described within claim 7.

Such an cmbodiment carries in it the advantage that the range which, when carrying out the weighing, is the central weighing range, but which range,when carrying out the weighing, not necessarily to the purpose is an acceptance yielding and allowable weighing range, can be positioned easily visible at the mid stem of the Z-shape. tn relation hereto it thus nay be advantageous if according to the pre sent invention the display of the weight value, correspon ding to a weight value aimed at, is associated. wth the signalling means positioned nearmost to the midpoint of the stem of the Z-shape.Generally, an approximate symmetry is present for allowable weights around a standardized average weight, being aimed at, in case of the one or the other kind of in series manufactured objects, but, especial- ly the Z-shape, particularly when a certain possibility of switching is present, is advantageous, as allowable deviations of weight values maybe indicated solely within the midstem of the Z-shape, independent of a weighing symmetri around this weight value being present or not.

A better observable indication may in this relation be attained if embodiments according to claim 8 are used.

According hereto the signalling means of the midstem could f.i. possess a green signalling colour, whereas low or over values, f.i. associated with the two branches of the Z-shape, could be indicated by means of respectively red and yellow signalling colours. If colour blindness not is a hindarness, this makes it possible to read the Indicator in use at an even larger physical distance from the indicator. The colour indication naturally in this way may be adapted to local working conditions.

A further development is described within claim 10. At such embodiments the thought is that not alone the midstem of the Z-shape may exhibit in the chosen weighing unit mutually closer in weight positioned indicators of the weight values provided by eans of the optical signalling means. But, a portion of the upper and lower branches of the Z-shape might also be included in this respect in an extend dependent upon f.i. that which is weighed, i.e.

how much pulverized or pulverisizable the weighing material is or in proportion to wanted tolerances at weighing The differences between the weight values could f.i. also exhibit a logarithmically augmenting routing in direction away from the midpoint of the midstem of the Z-shape. In this way the Z-shape by means of its common-expression-shape for weighing values which may occur exhibit an amplified usefulness.

A further development is described within claim 17.The courses of the two branches may thus practically be made better observable by means of an associated text comprising a minus sign at the upper branch and a plus sign at the lower branch. At first glimpse this might look unlogical, but, practical work employing such a weighing indicator realizes the practical feature hereby, namely that the user may associate the Z-shape with a balance of the two-scale-type.

When one scale is lowered too much weight is present within this scale, and some weight has to be removed. On the contrary, also without this emblematic perception being considered, the lower branch at optical indication indicates that a diminishing has to take place of the material in question to attain a wanted accordance, i.e. a simultaneous double emblematic perception of the indication is present, and te two perceptions are independent of each other.

Furthermore, that which is attained by means of the present invention includes the supplementary advantage that better adaptation may be attained to different conditions which are mentioned in relation to different distributions of the intervals between te weight values within the routing of the consecutive signalling means, and this advantage can't be attained by means of digital indicating or in an overlookable manner by means of the scale graduation markings, of which more may be present, which not adds to attain a better facility of overlooking the devices, namely as according to the present invention as described within claim 12.By means hereto; as well a manually provided semior in-whole-mechanically switchability of the arriving control signals to the signalling means as well as mechanically displacing then within the ndicator as well as by electionical control signals from f.i. an electronical or computer controlled, programmable switchabillty vor the aforementioned distances.ay be taken into consideration.

A furthcr development is described within claim 13.

By means hereof a better facility of overlooking of the given weight indicator area is attained, and with given sig nailing means a possibility for the positioning of a larger number of such means is attained,but, also in case of differences in the differences in weight value sizes between as neighbour to each other placed signalling means in this respect, an easier understandability of the indicated is attainable by employing groupwise positioning.

k further development is described within claim 14.

It is thus already hinted at that the weighing indicator according to the present invention not is to be used alone but possibly together with another weighting indicator which thus can be of another kind. But, if f,i. especially both indicators, namely the other and that according to the present invention, are of electronic nature both of the indications can be produced electronically practically simultaneously on the basis of a common means, which as a signal source generates the necessary indicator control signals, wherefore only the building-up time, affected by the signal source, introduces a time delay inclusive a possible integration or sampling time for digitalization.Taking the use of the- weighing indicator in consideration, it just may be appropiate to form the embodiment so, that the weighing indicator according to the present invention f.i. possesses a faster integration time than that of the other weighing indicator which indicator might be presented as a digital display panel, for which a slowly changing resulting display of the digits in advance of a possible rectificationdoneto the physical extend of the weighed material, as necessary according to the weighing result, poses an advantage, and the reason is, that the user within a time span perceives a clear impression and possibly gets time to mXemor4ze the original digits having been shown on the display when the rectification is initiated and carried out according to the display of the weighing indicator according to the present invention. which for this purpose is fast reacting.

A further improvement in this respect to obtain a better adaptation to the kind of objects being weighed can be achieved by means of the features described withinclaim 15.

Embodiments according to the present invention are described in more details and sunder reference to thc figures of the drawing in the following. In the drawing: Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment according to the pre sent invention, fig.s2 through 5 illustrate further modifications of the embodiment shown in Fig 1, fi. 6 shows another embodiment according to the pre sent invention, fig. 7 shows a third embodiment according to the pre sent invention, fig. 8 illustrates a fourth spatial modification of an embodiment according to the present invention, fig. 9 illustrates a modification according to fig. 6, fig.10 illustrates a weighing indicator according to the present invention arranged in connection with a balance being able to perform tare com pensation and being programmable and comprising digitized weight indicating display feature, with the embodiment shown in the perspective 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 unity-lie front pLate including knobs and read-out means to be positioned in a box 117 according to fig. 10.

In fig.s 1 through 9 of the drawing different possible modifications of embodiments according to the present invention are shown. These modifications though lend themsel ves to be further combined. Such a combination is hinted at by means of fig. 8 of the drawing.

In fig. 1 of the drawing a U-shaped arrangement of f.i. light indicators is illustrated where each light indicator relates to a definite, indicated value, such as a weighing value. As hinted at by means of oblique strokes, which in pair are arranged closer to each other, groupwise arrangements of such light indicators are hinted at, as each oblique positioned group of light indicators then designates a definite weighing range. The weighing ranges could also be divided according to the building-up time inherent for the weighing or measusuring device, so that f.i. the slow responding are positioned at the outer ends of the U-shape.But, a gro'upwise arrangement could also be presented by which the distance between the weight values for the single light indicators within the single groups is larger the more far out in the branches of the U-shape the light indIcators are situated. 1,in fig. 1, thus could designate the range including indication of a weight value being aimed at, whereas branch 2 f.i. comprises the values being lower in proportionate association of some or other kind in relation hereto, whereas branch 3 comprises values being higher in proportionate association.If, after the carrying out of a-weighing, a light indicator within the straight portions of branch 2 or 3 indicates the obtained weight value, such indicators could be in connection with a means, which during a determined period of time disables the weighing equipment, so that a clear indication is given to the user that, f.i. during a sequential series of weighing-out portions of products or material, a default weighing-out is present, and in this way the user is prompted not to do a scamped weighing-out as time then is consumed betore the next weighing-out can be initiated.

The time. delay means can be adjustable arranged, but being lockable,. so that only authorised personnlmayperform an adjustment.

I Il fig,s 2, 4 and S further odifications are illu- strated but possessing otherwise shaped embodiments than the one according to fig. 1. Branch portions 4 and 5 corre- spond f.i. to the straight portions of the branches of the U-shape, whereas 2 and 3 correspond to the curved portions of the branches of t;.e U-shape. At the embodiment according to fig. 4 the midportion of the horizontal portion of the branch of the shape opens a possibility for particular indication of an indicated working range having sub groupwise arrangements of light indicator-, f.i. having a finer graduating.In such case the possibility also exists to arrange a particularly positioned additional indicator arrangement possessing groupwise arrangement, as f.i. to the side in proportion to the modified embodiment according to fig. 4. This particular additional indicator arrangement could f.i. serve to feature a particularly fine subdivided indication of a definite range, which range could be selec- table by means of a switch or could be á fixed arrangement and f.i. be associated with the horizontal midbranch of the E-shape.Respectively, tho additional indicator arrangement might also be used to indicate an average value ~or many weight-out portions,takan in proportion to a given standard weighting-cut value being aimed at, subsidiary, such an additional indicator arrangement might be used to indicate the standard-deviation in proportion to such a standard weighing-out value being aimed at, possibly also incorporating akind indication to which side the average value deviation mainly deviates, subsidiary a combined indication with simultaneous employing light indicators in the same groups, so that there might f.i. be indicators of two colours present, ore colour for average value and one colour for the standard deviation.The application of coloured indicators might naturally also be employed to perform a more clear distinction between groupwise arrange ments'of different kinds and. of different nature.

If weighing-out of portions comprising two ingredients is considered, where the ingredients first have to be weight-out separately and then have to be mixed, or wherc the mixing takes place by first weighing one of the ingredients and then with a weighing of the sum of the first and the second ingredient during mixing, an embodiment illustrated in fig. 3 can be used, according to which the two branches 2 and 3 then relates to one of the weighing-outs, whereas the two branches 4 and 5 relates to the second weighing-out. The indicators belonging tzbranch2 and.could possibly possess another colour than the indicators in the branches 4 and 5. The same relates to the groupwise arrangement within the midrange, which range is designated with reference numeral 11.

Anothcr pcssibility exists by a more subdivided embodiment of the single groupwise arrangements of the indicators, f.i. as illustrated in fig. 6. In this case a stair case like embodiment has been selected, but practically any other configuration might be employable, such as also subdivisioning exhibiting a more discrete positicning, but though somewhat similar to f.i. that according to figs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The single groupwise steps according to fig.

5 could also separately be percepted as embolic for an arrangement as embodied according to fig.s 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, etc.

A further possibility of combination is delineated in fig. 3 in which case a spatial embodiment notably is used.

In this case the indicators simply could be arranged in the middle of, or behind transparent, sides of the spatial configuration. Though, in fig. 8 the possibility of the arranging along side edges of the single polygonal-shaped sides.

It is to be remarked, that here through a combination of the Shape according to fig. 4 and the W-shape according to fig 2 has been attained, as the side edges 50, 51, 5S, 52 and 54 are able to correspond to the branches 1, 2, 3, 5 and 4'of fig. 4, whereas the side edges 61, 59, 56, 55 correspond to the branches 4, 2, 3 and 5 of fig. 2, and a portion of the side edge 50 then has to be used for the representation of the groupwise arrangement or groupwise arrangements around 1 in fig. 2. The side edges GO, 58 and 57 correspond to branch 2, bottom 7 and branch 3 according to fig. 1. One or more arrangements according to fig. 7 could f.i. be positioned upon the top surface.

In fig. 9 a configuration as that illustrated in fig.

6 is shown, but the groupwise associated indicators are situated in a circular shape. A possible displacement of the groups taken as a whole may indicate a superior positioned or displaceable group of indicators.

The back plane for the arrangement can be provided for consisting of any material. A bac plane manufactured in shape of a liquid-crystal-backplane indicator arrangement or even in shape o= a lumsnous/non-luminous background as a TV-scr2en cr the like is also possible. The back plane thus can be understood as establishing a supporting means for the necessary indicating means arranged in configurations as described.

A box 117 comprising a read-out- and w2ighing-program- programmable unit for a not further specified balance is in the perspective illustrated in fig. 10. The front plate of the box carrying knob and read-out means is designated with reference numeral 122. An example upon an embodiment of such front plate items seen from the front inclusive further details is illustrated in fig. 11. Per se known digit indicators to digitalized display of weighing results are designated with 115 and 116 within the two fig.s of the drawing, in which moreover means having the same or practically the same functions are designated with same reference sign.Another indicating means 124 is determined to indicate numbers as well as letters or grafic symbols and belong to an electronic programmable unit associated with the balance, and by means of which unit definite and fixed values associated with the weighing may be displayed subsidiary are displayed by read-in of program or program values, just as a users guide text to be used at programming may be displayed, so that the user rightly becomes.guided during a weighing- or programming-phase. It is remarked, that in the drawing the arrangement of such a text as well as a guding text at the indicators, etc., only has been added in way of suggestion.It is not the intention that these embolic illustrated suggestios should be understood in another manner, it only has to hint at that a text may be arranged for A keyboard unit 118 serves to enable read-in of such programming values, whereas a keyboard 119 comprises keys to the control of the programming With 123, light indicators situated thereabove are designated.The chosen text describing functions for the keys is arbitrarily chosen, taken from left to right the keys 119 f.i. could have the following functions: 1' key for changing between upper and lower case functions of the single keys having double functions; 2' key for termination of programming and for entering of data; 3' key for stepping through of program and/or program data either forwards or backwards with simultaneous display on indicator 124; A key for selecting passive display (inspection) of program or data or selection of active prorra ming; 5 key for selecting mode of operation for the balance; 6' key for entering of tare value depending upon the kind of weighing. Alo key 129 may be regarded as associated herewith.

The key board 121 with light indicating facility relates to the zero-adjustment of the balance and serves additionally to test the light indicators as all light indicators simultaneously can be brought to be lid by push-operation of push-button TEST.

That, which the invention relates to, is the field 120. This field 120 comprises light emitting diodes 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110 positioned in a Z-shaped configuration, whereby each reference numeral refers to two or more light emitting diodes arranged in one or other shape of configuration, here illustrated. in shape of oblique positioned line configurations.A cross drawn by means of lines 111 and 112 focuses the observation towards light emitting diodes 100, which, as earlier described, may correspond to a chosen, wanted weighing value, whereas the other light emitting diodes give indication about differing weight herefrom, whereby there, as earlier described, may exist different weight size differences between light emitting diodes or light emitting diode groups depending upon the distance of the signalling means from the midrange 100.

Furthermore, the light emitting diodes in the field 120 may be associated with another building-up time then the building-up time for the digit indicators according to 115 andior 116. With 113 and 114 it is designated, that the weight sizes lay over or below the weight size associated, according to the programming, to the light emitting diode (light emitting diodes) at 100.

The indicators 101, 100 and 106 can f.i. possess green colour, whereas the indicators 102, 103, 104 and 105 are red, and the indicators 107, 108, 109 and 110 are yellow.

The Z-shape might also be situated otherwise orientated upon the front plate, just as te light emitting groups having Z-shape could possess another geometrical shape, included as well open as well as closed geometrical shapes, that is to be understood as aIsoin whole tne other in more details described embodiments inter alia.

Claims

C L A I a S

1. Weighing indicator, especially for tare compensated balances, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i a t h a t the indicators, preferably light indicators, associated with the single weighing values are positioned groupwisa as so ciated with each other.

2. Weighing indicator according to claim 1 c h a r a c t e. r i z e d i n t h a t groupwise associated indicators being symmetrically associated, f.i. around a wanted value being aimed at, geometrically are symmetrically arranged in proportion to the indicator or the indicator group serving to indicate this 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, circl-shaped, curvedcoursed or zig-zag-coursed figure respectively configuration to a polygon or to a spatial polygonal figure.

3. Weighing indicator according to laim 1 or 2 c h a r a C t e r i z e d i n t h a t for the groupwise associated indicators the association is givenbythe size of the deviation of the weighing value from the neighbour weighing value indicators, and which size of deviation is a function of the size of the weighing value associated with the single indicators.

4. Weighing indicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3 c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the groupwise association also is presented in that the balance-building -up time of weighing associated with the single indicators mainly is proportional with the sizesof weight-steps to the indicator for the neighbour weighing value, and in that a groupwise divisioning is provided within this proportiona- lity range.

5. Weighing indlcator according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t at te presence of activation of an indicator (indicators) for the weighing value belonging to groups indicating a certain least deviation of weighing value from the weighing value being aimed at, preferably immediately, after complete termination of a weighing operation where signaldeviation has been provided to the 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 duration of time that is adjustable from a particular control location or particular control means.

6. Weighing indicator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4.or 5 c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t furthermore, in relation to the groupwise associated indicators, groupwise associated ndicators are provided serving, in proportion to a weighing value being aimed at, to indicate the attained average value and/or standard deviation in proportion hereto for the complete nutter of carried out weighings and/or for a part of these, alternatively for a singular part of them, as subsidiarv for more singular parts of the complete number of carried out weighings.

7. Weighting indicator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the weighing indication is provided by means of a row or series of lamps, light emitting diodes or other sort of optical signalling means (100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110) positioned in a Zrshaped configuration or array (120), and whereby a preferably progressively sequence-coursed weight-size-indication is associated with the single signalling means.

8. Weighing indicator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the weight-size-indication, corresponding to the weighing value being aimed at, is associated with the signalling means (100) positioned nearmost to the midpoint of the stem of the Z-shapc.

9. Weighing indicator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a the signalling means (101, 102, 103, 104, 1q5, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110) have different colour, and in that the three courses of the Z-shape (102, 103, 104, 105; 106, 100, 101; 107, 108, 1C9, 110) have each their colour serving to oDti- cal signalling indication of each single of the three courses of the Z-shape.

10. Weighing indicator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 c h a r a c . act e r i z e d i n t h a t the weight sizes associated with the single signalling means (100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110) differ least from each other at the midpoint (100) of the stem of the Z-shape and mutually differ augmenting between adjacent(consecative)positoned signalling means (120) the longer away they are positioned frozen the midpoint of the Z-shape.

11. Weighing indicator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the smallest weight-sizes are associated with the upper branch of the Z-shape (102, 103, 104, 105), and in that the target weight-sizes are associated the lower branch of the Z-shape (107, 108, 109, 110).

12. Weighing indicator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the steps between as neighbour to each other positioned signalling means within the course of the Zshape calculated in weight-size. and associatedherewithare changeable through switchability or by means of programmable embodiments of the adaptation links, which links for the activation of the signalling means are inserted between these means and the weight-sFze-signalgFvFng means generating control signals for the weighing indicator.

13. Weighing indicator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 c h a r a c t t' r.i z e d i n t h a t the Z-sha?ea configuration is provided by means of groupwise placing together (100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110) of optical signalling means.

14. Weighing indicator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t another balance-building-us time is associated with the signalling means (100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110) than the balance building-up time which is associated with another, possibly as another kind, weight indicator (115 and/or 116) being associated with the same balance.

15. Weighing indicator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 c h a r a c t a r i - z e d i n t h a t preferably stepwise adjustable balance -building-up time(s) is (are) associated with the indications of the signalling means (100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110).

AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS CLAIMS 1. A weighing display comprising indicators each having an associated weighing value, said indicators being positioned in a plurality of groupwise arrangements each visually distinguishable from each other groupwise arrangement in an indicator configuration, wherein said groupwise arrangements include ones s.aidgroupwise 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 adjust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and wherein there are provided further groupwise arrangements of said indicators which are arranged in a direction crossing the configuration formed by aforesaid groupwise arrangements, and wherein the indicators in said further groupwise arrangements provide an indication of the relationship between an attained weighing value to the target weighing value over a series of weighing operations the accuracy of which is demonstrated by the proximity of an activated indicator (activated in response to the weighing operations) to the centre of said cross-like configuration.

2. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said indicators in said further groupwise arrangements indicate so proximity 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, said several forms including the average value of said weighing values and the standard deviation of said weighing values from a target weighing value.

3. A weighing display as claimed in either Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said predetermined weighing value is associated with a said weighing indicator arranged in said configuration between said one groupwise arrangement and said another groupwise arrangement.

4. A weighing display as claimed in either Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein 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.

5. A weighing display as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said one groupwise arrangement is located or extends above the target weighing value such that when activated indicators in this arrangement are physically above the target weighing value whereby by virtue of their location they enhance the visual prompt to the operator. to reduce the weight being measured, and similarly said another groupwise arrangement is located or extends below said target weighing value such that when activated indicators in this arrangement are physically below said target weighing value whereby by virtue of their location they enhance the visual prompt to the operator to increase the weight being measured.

6. A weighing display as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein said visually distinguishable groupwise arrangements are physically sPaced.

7. A weighing display as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, further comprising visual designations associated with said one ana said another groupwise arrangements, said visual designation associated with said one groupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the operator to subtract weight in order to adjust the weight measured to said target weighing value, and said visual designation associated with said another groupwise arrangement being adapted to visually prompt the operator to add weight in order to adjust the weight measured to said target weighing value.

8. A weighing display as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the weighing indicator is associated with a tare compensated balance.

9. A weighing display. as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the weighing indicators are light indicators.

10. A weighing display as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein within said indicator configuration at least one said groupwise arrangement is arranged along a:.path which is arranged at an oblique attitude in relation to the overall indicator configuration.

11. A weighing display as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to lO, wherein the response time of said indicators in said indicator configuration is related to the weighing values thereof, and within a groupwise arrangement the response time of an indicator is proportional to the increment between the weighing value of that indicator and weighing value of its neighbouring indícator, the relationship between the response time of neighbouring ones of said groupwise arrangements being similarly determined.

12. A weighIng display as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 11, comprising an associated weighing balance, the indicators being associated with the weighing balance in such manner that each indicator has a discrete response time for a weighing operation, the response time for each indicator in the indicator configuration being different.

13. - A weighing display as claimed in either Claim 11 or Claim 12, wherein the response time of the indicators is adjustable in a stepwise manner along the indicator configuration.

14. A weighing display as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the weighing values associated with the indicators of a grdupwise arrangement differ by a discrete step, and wherein a switching arrangement is provided whereby the size of said discrete step may be adjusted.

15. A weighing display as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said switching arrangement includes programmable means operatively associated with carrying means for carrying weighing signals to the indicators from means generating said weighing signals, and said carrying means also carry control signals from said generating means to said indicators.

16. A weighing display as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein a weighing balance is operatively associated therewith, time delay means being associated with said weighing balance, said time delay means being operable in response to activation of any one of the indicators belonging to at least one selected groupwise arrangement, said selected groupwise arrangement being selected on the basis that the indicators in said groupwise arrangement indicate a weighing value which deviates from said target weighing value by at least a pre-determined minimum increment, wherein said time delay means is operable to prevent further operation of said weighing balance for a pre-determined interval, adjustment means being provided for adjusting said pre-determined interval.

17. , A weighing display as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said adjusting means are positioned at a location remote from said indicators.

18. A weighing display as claimed in either Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein said weighing balance is operable such that the complete termination of a single weighing operation is effected by the removal of an object being weighed from a weighing pan of the weighing balance.