Abstract: A scoop has a handle attached thereto by a neck, and a load receiving vessel. The neck has a built in load cell and strain gauge supporting the load receiving vessel, which measures weight in the scoop. An analog-digital converter converts the strain gauge output to a digital signal, which displays the weight as a readout Control switches built into the handle or panel control the functions of the scoop, while indicator/annunciator lights indicate status. Either an inclinometer is provided to correct the weight for tilting, or a visible ball bearing switch is provided to cut off the display at a predetermined angle of tilt. Shock loading protection is provided by a flexmount for the load cell, which gives when a predetermined load is applied, which also provides overload protection. Overload protection is also provided by a check rod or load stop built into the load cell.

Abstract: A scoop has a handle attached thereto by a neck. The neck has a built in strain gauge supporting the scoop which measures weight in the scoop. An analog-digital converter converts the strain gauge output to a digital signal, which displays the weight as a readout (either metric or avoirdupois) on a panel in the handle. Control switches built into the handle or panel control the functions of the scoop, while indicator/annunciator lights indicate status. A level indicator is provided having a ball bearing resting freely on a conducting bottom plate forming a spherical sector of predetermined angle and a cylindrical sidewall having therein conducting elements. When the ball bearing contacts a sidewall conducting element it closes a circuit which switches off a level indicator/annunciator light, which when on shows that the scoop is level. The position of the ball bearing is visible to the operator, allowing correction of tilt.

Abstract: A female receptacle with retaining device is intended to provide a method of securing a male plug attached to an electrical device power cord to a female receptacle attached to a power supply cord. The electrical device cord with the male plug is positively retained by threading the electrical device cord between a hoop and a body of the female receptacle. The locking action of the electrical device cord threaded through itself will prevent the disconnection of the male plug from the female receptacle and will relieve strain on the male prongs and prevent subsequent damage.

Abstract: A transmitter for use in the food industry for unique identification of a transport device such as a hanger for a carcass or a container for food products is mounted within a housing which protects the transmitter from heat, water, corrosive materials and shock loads. The housing comprises a cylindrical ring having one end welded to a suitable support element on the hanger and a second open end. The transmitter itself is in the form of a flat disc molded within a generally cylindrical body which can be inserted into the ring. A male thread is formed on the outside of the cylindrical body and a female thread of the inside of the ring allowing the device to be readily attached into the ring. The body is molded from silicone rubber which provides the necessary protections while allowing the communication of signals to and from the transmitter through the open face of the ring.