Abstract: An electronic scale for use in a weight control program in which the weighing histories and desired weight goals for each of a number of individuals are stored. A weigh signal is produced when an individual steps onto the platform of the scale, and the weight is displayed on the top of a column upstanding from the base and spoken. Following entry of information identifying the individual into a keyboard also atop the column, a microprocessor assembles two types of messages, at least one informational and at least one psychologically reinforcing, from stored message components in accordance with the identified individual's stored weighing history and stored desired weight goal and the message is spoken. In response to manual operation of other keys, the scale can calculate any individual's ideal weight goal and can review his stored weight history.

Abstract: The amount of beverage dispensed from each of a plurality of reservoirs in units at a plurality of remote locations, such as hotel rooms, is controlled and indicated. A central console, such as a hotel front desk, includes a keyboard for deriving data and command signals, as well as a data processor that responds to the data and command signals to derive addressing and command signals for the units. A display at the central console responds to the keyboard data and command signals to display the keyboard data signals, as well as data signals derived from addressed units. At each of the units, a liquid flow controller for each reservoir responds to an output of a data processor at the unit. The unit data processor responds to a customer input and command signals from the console to activate the flow controller. In response to a unit being addressed by the console, the unit data processor supplies signals to the console to indicate the amount of beverage dispensed from the reservoirs.