Abstract: A digital load cell includes an EEPROM that is permanently attached to the counterforce along with a temperature sensor and a plurality of strain gages. The strain gages are mounted on the counterforce in the electrical configuration of a full wheatstone bridge. The EEPROM and bridge are connected to a flexible circuit that is detachably connectable in electrical communication with circuits including a processor and an analog-to-digital converter, which can be mounted permanently on a local circuit board physically separated from the EEPROM. The local circuit board operates in a manner so that the EEPROM can be programmed to store the calibration/correction factors that are to be applied by the processor to the digital weight signals from the analog-to-digital converter. The local circuit board is associated with, and alternatively can be removably attachable to, the counterforce.

Abstract: A data gathering system adapted to be installed within a checkout counter for determining information about products presented for purchase at the counter including the weight of such products comprises two support flanges within the checkout counter. The support flanges define a portion of an upper surface of the data gathering system and a scale supported by the flanges defines the remaining upper surface which comprises a weighing platter for the scale. A scale calibrating and zeroing system is incorporated into the support flanges to be accessible through the upper surface of the data gathering system such that the scale can be periodically zeroed and calibrated as necessary to maintain the accuracy of the scale without removal of the data gathering system from the counter.