Counting scale and method of counting

[0042]Referring to FIG. 1, a counting scale is shown as a tray 100 supported by four legs 104 at each of the four corners of the tray (the tray also referred to herein as a frame). One edge of platform 101 leads to a trough 112 having an outlet spout 114. In a conventional counting tray, a pharmacist will place a number of pills on platform 101 and then use a spatula or other blade, to sweep pills into trough 112, counting the pills as they are swept. Thereafter, the trough 112 can be tilted to funnel the pills into a retail container. While pill counting will be described, the disclosed system can be used to count any type of article, especially articles that have about the same unit weight.

[0043]Platform 101 is installed atop a weighing device (as described further hereinafter) that can produce a weight signal signifying the weight of articles placed on platform 101. This weight signal is conveyed to a processing device on circuit board 116 in order to drive output device 102.

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