Abstract: A scale and scanner system includes a controller to control operation of the scale and scanner system. A scale calibration parameter memory for storing scale calibration parameters is coupleable to the controller. A scanning module and a scale module are coupleable to the controller. When the controller is not coupled to the scanning module or scale module, the scale calibration parameter memory remains in the system.

Abstract: A scale and scanner system includes a controller to control operation of the scale and scanner system. A scale calibration parameter memory for storing scale calibration parameters is coupleable to the controller. A scanning module and a scale module are coupleable to the controller. When the controller is not coupled to the scanning module or scale module, the scale calibration parameter memory remains in the system.

Abstract: A method for detecting an exit of a patient from a hospital bed, the method comprising: detecting a presence of the patient on the bed; upon detection of the patient on the bed, monitoring an indication that the patient has moved from a predetermined patient area on a patient receiving surface of the bed to outside the predetermined patient area; upon detection that the patient has moved outside the predetermined patient area, activating a bed alarm to indicate to a user that an exit of the patient from the hospital bed has been detected. There is also provided a system for detecting an exit of a patient from a hospital bed. There is further provided a method for limiting a height of a hospital bed and a method for recalibrating a tare weight condition of a hospital bed.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a measurement system. A measurement system measuring body weight includes a weight detection unit detecting weight at predetermined detection cycles, and a calculating unit calculating an average value based on measurement values detected by the weight detection unit at the detection cycles. The detection cycle is shorter than a cycle at which a transient signal waveform predicted in accordance with measurement values detected by the weight detection unit can be obtained.

Abstract: A symbol-reading system includes a system housing having a horizontal housing portion and a vertical housing portion, the vertical housing portion being configured substantially orthogonal to the horizontal housing portion. The symbol-reading system also includes a symbol reading subsystem, disposed in the system housing, for reading symbols on objects and producing data representative of the read symbols. Additionally, the symbol-reading system includes a weigh scale subsystem including at least one load cell that supports the entirety of the system housing, the weigh scale subsystem being configured for measuring the weight of objects on the system housing and producing data representative of measured weights.

Abstract: A method and a system determine a position of at least one sway sensor in an elevator system for sensing a lateral motion of an elevator rope between a first boundary location and a second boundary location. An operation of the elevator system is simulated with a model of the elevator system to produce an actual shape of the elevator rope caused by the operation. At least one sway location is determined, such that an error between the actual shape of the elevator rope and an estimated shape of the elevator rope is minimized. The estimated shape of the elevator rope is determined by interpolation of the first boundary location, the second boundary location, and the sway location. The position of the sway sensor is determined, such that the sway sensor senses the lateral motion of the elevator rope at the sway location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving a force applied to a seat, particularly a vehicle seat. Said device comprises at least one spring element (5) for elastically positioning the seat in such a way that the seat support components (1,2,3,4) are coupled together by means of the spring element (5). The inventive device also comprises a sensor which detects the spring excursion or an alteration of the spring excursion or a position of the spring element.

Abstract: A weigher for a packaging machine has buckets that deliver product batches. Each bucket includes a pair of spaced side walls between which a bottom extends, and over which the product passes. A bottom wall has at least one trough to control the trajectory of the product leaving the bucket to minimise angular velocity of the product about the vertical axis of a chute. The chute has a substantially vertical axis and receives the batches of product from the weighing buckets. The chute has a side wall converging downwardly from an upper opening to a lower opening, and an internal surface over which the product passes.

Abstract: A measurement instrument in which, when the initially loaded instrument is partly unloaded in such a fashion that the part load falls in a lower load range with a finer display-scale interval, the instrument continues to use the scale for the larger load until the load is removed completely. When the load is removed completely, however, the display reads "zero" as soon as the result R(m) at calculation stage m satisfies the condition .vertline.R(m).vertline..ltoreq.d.sub.jmax /2 (zero region) where d.sub.jmax is the largest display-scale interval. The next-finer display-scale interval is selected if the difference d.sub.s between two successive results determined at a particular time-interval satisfies the condition d.sub.j .ltoreq.d.sub.2 /10. A zero store is updated to include each result in the zero region.

Abstract: In an elevator hitch load weighing assembly, a load cell provides an analog load signal to a summer 12, where an analog tare compensation signal is subtracted from the load signal prior to a compensated load signal being provided to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 20; the digital load signal is provided to a remaining tare subtractor 26 where tare remaining in the digital load signal is subtracted and a payload provided.

Abstract: A load indicator conversion system is disclosed for converting a scale having a mechanical measuring system, such as a conventional portable beam scale, into a scale having an electronic measuring system for providing an electronic display, such as an LCD display, corresponding to the load applied to the mechanical load receiver of the scale, such as the scale platform [104], which is mechanically linked via the beam load rod assembly [110] and an s-hook arrangement [150] to a load cell transducer [1]. A single common temperature sensor is employed adjacent the load cell and the associated electronics to provide information on the variations in temperature to the microprocessor for enabling temperature compensation to take place.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for accurately weighing by a ladle weighing unit (2) of a metal melt in a ladle (3), in which the melt can be heated and stirred by power supplied by an induction coil (4). The induction field of the coil (4) is also applied to a coil weighing unit (1) so that the reaction force of the magnetic field influencing the melt is measured. In a weighing system (5), the net weight of melt is calculated by subtracting the signal of the coil weighing unit (1) from that of the ladle weighing unit (2). The weight change per time unit, which represents the mass flow rate of melt from the ladle, is calculated in the control system (6) and is used to control the pressure in the ladle in such a way the metal flow is kept constant.

Abstract: In the weighing apparatus, a plurality of weighing sections are connected to a main unit having a display section, and weight data from one of the weighing sections are indicated by the display section. Each weighing section has an instability detection section for detecting the instability of a weight signal. The main unit has a section by which the weight data from the weighing section whose weight signal is instable are selected on the basis of a signal from the instability detection section.

Abstract: The new invention proposes a rotary receptacle scale, wherein the weighing receptacle 2 is moved with a rotating drive by 180.degree. from the filling position into the emptying position. The weighing receptacle 2 is enclosed by a casing 1. The weighing receptacle 2 and the casing 1 are constructed in a manner similar to a lock rotor and lock wheel housing with respect to the movement function. The receptacle scale itself accordingly corresponds to increased hygienic requirements and can also be provided with a pressure-resistant casing at low cost.

Abstract: A method for taring a dosing belt weigher uses a weight signal produced by a load cell and a belt revolution signal produced by a sensor for providing a taring or weight correction signal that is processed in a taring unit. The taring unit ascertains the weight or load signal individually for each belt section and for a statistically relevant number of belt revolutions. Individual mean values are formed for the individual belt sections and these individual mean values are compared with the total mean value of the ascertained gross weight signals. The resulting difference values are used as taring signals for correcting the individual belt influences which are correlated locally to each individual belt section during the following belt revolution. Thus, each belt revolution is corrected with due regard to the values gathered in a substantial number of preceding belt revolutions.

Abstract: The present invention is a gravimetric procedure for the measurement of solids and/or liquids in a statically dissipated Teflon bag. The procedure enhances the accuracy of presently accepted laboratory methods because the sample container weighs little relative to the sample and the bag is an inert surface which is not activated or contaminated. Solids placed in the Teflon bag can be treated, weighed, and stored in the bag without any sample transfer. Liquids placed in the Teflon bag are treated and weighed without transfer. This procedure has been applied particularly to laboratory procedures for measurement of particulate samples collected from effluent gas streams during environmental testing.

Abstract: A hollow housing with openings at opposite ends has progressive indications of weight at progressive positions along an opening in the housing. A threaded shank of a bolt extends longitudinally into the housing through the opening at the first end. A spring disposed in the housing is attached at one end to the bolt shank and at the other end to a rod which extends through the second end of the housing. A coupling member is attached to the rod to hold an article to be weighed. A retaining nut is disposed within the housing at the first longitudinal end of the housing to receive the bolt shank. A packing member retained by the nut is partially tapped to receive the bolt shank. By only partially tapping the packing member, the bolt is retained in fixed position relative to the nut. The bolt is changed from this fixed position only by applying a rotary force to the bolt to compensate for tare. A nut is disposed on the shank of the bolt externally of the housing.

Abstract: A powder feeding device comprising a metering hopper for metering a powdery material supplied from a holding hopper, a weight measuring device for measuring the weight of the powdery material in the metering hopper, a device for opening and closing a discharge opening formed in the metering hopper and a control device for controlling the action of the opening and closing device. The control device has a timer, a device for setting a discharge interval, and a device for correcting the standard discharge interval set by the discharge interval setting device. The discharge interval correcting device corrects the standard discharge interval on the basis of a measured signal from the weight measuring device.

Abstract: A dietetic measurement apparatus (10) having computer means (30) having a controlling instruction means to provide a determination of basic integers for a mass of a food item weighed on a weighing means (32). The weighing means (32) provides a weighing signal, in the form of a logical periodic signal, to a central processor unit (34) of the computer means (30), which measures the frequency of the weighing signal and correlates the mass of the food item and the quantities of the nutrients. The nutrients comprise carbohydrate, calcium, cholesterol, fat, fibre, iron, protein, sodium and calorific content. Also a number of command keys (22a) are provided and include a ZERO key and a BOWL key to aid in weighing procedures.

Abstract: A method of packaging fluent solid materials such as coffee includes determining the gross weight of filled packets and determining the tare allowance of the packets. The tare allowance is determined through random sampling and that value is subtracted from the gross weight of the filled packets in order to define a nominal value. That nominal value is then fed to the filling machine in a closed control loop. The apparatus for packaging fluent solid materials includes a bag forming machine, a filling machine for filling the bags, a gross balance for filling the bags and a conveyor for conveying the bags. A switch is provided for filtering out empty bags from the conveyor to a tare balance and a control unit is connected to the measuring outputs of the tare balance. The regulating output of the control unit permits bags to be filtered out and weighted at a defined frequency.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for measuring the quantity of a dried product, particularly that of a concentrate dried in a pressure filter. The method comprises the following stages: inserting (1) the product to be dried in the drying apparatus, carrying out the drying (1,2,3) and discharging (5) the dried product from the drying apparatus. In order to define the exact quantity of the dried product, the whole drying apparatus is weighed (4) both before discharging the dried product and immediately thereafter. The weighing results are processed in a microprocessor. By means of history recordings of the weighing results, the drying process itself can also be optimized.

Abstract: The invention indicates a balance with counting scale in which the resolution of the balance with counting scale can be increased in the determination of the reference weight of light pieces without an additional switching key operated from the outside. To this end, a comparator (14) is present in the built-in electronic circuitry which is actuated when the transfer key (8) is pressed and which frees the transfer of the weight into the memory (16) and the determination of the average individual weight when a set threshold is exceeded, while, when this threshold is dropped below, it does not free the transfer of the weight into the memory and increases the resolution of the balance by a given factor.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus of the tare-type is disclosed including a subtractor connected between the weighing scale output and an indicating device, a first tare store being provided having an input connected by a taring switch with the weighing scale output, and an output connected with a second input of the subtractor, characterized by the provision of an auxiliary tare store connected with the first tare store via a transfer switch that is ganged for operation generally simultaneously with the taring switch, thereby to transfer the first tare signal to the auxiliary store. An erasing switch is operable, as desired, to return the first tare signal from the auxiliary store to the first tare store.

Abstract: Strain gauge transducers (15) are fitted to the leading and trailing faces of a vehicle axle between each wheel (14) and the adjacent suspension (13). They have strain gauges (6, 7, 8, 9) in balanced bridge formation and their orientation is such that their outputs can be combined in one circuit (16, 17, 18) to produce an indication of axle loading and in another circuit to produce an indication (26) of torsion, these signals not being influenced by irrelevant strains. The information from the transducers can be combined to indicate individual axle loading, and total loading, and the torsional signal can be used in an anti-skid braking system.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for weighing elongate articles such as spaghetti strings or macaroni tubes, for example, includes a primary weighing machine for measuring the weight of articles to within a preset target weight, a plurality of secondary weighing machines for measuring a weight shortage with respect to the preset target weight which is the difference between the preset target weight and the weight measured by the primary weighing machine, a control unit for effecting a combinatorial weighing operation on the weights from the secondary weighing machines with the shortage employed as a combinatorial target weight to select one weight combination which is equal to the combinatorial target weight or closest thereto within an allowable range, and a combining unit such as a packaging machine for combining articles discharged from the primary weighing machine and those secondary weighing machines which give the weight combination.

Abstract: The weighing pan comprises a pair of opposed sidewalls and at least one pivotable closure flap which is coupled to one sidewall in such a way that the pivoting movement of the closure flap between closed and open position is accompanied by a displacement of the associated sidewall relative to the opposite sidewall. Articles, which might have got jammed between the sidewalls, are likely to be released in response to the relative movement of the sidewalls and drop out through the open bottom of the pan. A combination weighing machine including a plurality of weighing pans and means for reopening a pan, if necessary in order to ensure complete emptying thereof, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for recalibrating an electronic scale mounted within an enclosure which includes a display and a plurality of switches set to a position representing the calibrated digital output of the scale when the scale is placed in a first and second weighted condition includes the steps of displaying the weight of the weighed condition of the scale, sampling the scale to generate digital signals outputted by the scale when the scale is placed in the first and second weighted condition, comparing the sampled digital signals with the digital signals represented by the setting of the switches, removing the scale from the enclosure when the sampled digital signals are within a predetermined value of the digital signals set up in the switches and displaying the new settings of the switches which corresponds to the sampled digital signals enabling the operator to set the switches accordingly.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to display a consecutive number in a simple manner in an electronic balance having a digital display (10) and a 10-key keyboard (12), the invention provides that a light source (16) be associated with each of the keys of the 10-key keyboard and that the counter for the consecutive number actuates the light source of the 10-key keyboard which corresponds to its counter reading. The counter is actuated by a tare key and other light sources are provided to indicate larger decades.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating an automatic weighing machine is provided, having means for maintaining the value of an electronic signal indicative of tare weight within a predetermined range of an ideal value in order to ensure adequate signal range is available for high resolution of net weight. In addition, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter having an adjustable gain is provided which interfaces the analog signal indicative of total gross weight (tare plus net) to a processor means. Means are provided within the processor means for adjusting the gain of the A/D converter in response to changes in the selected target weight for a package of product. Since the range of analog signals indicative of total weight depend on the selected target weight, the gain is adjusted in response to a change in target weight so the full range of digital values remain responsive to the range of analog signals.

Abstract: A batch weighing apparatus for receiving a flow of material such as feedstuff and discharging the material in successive weight determined portions is provided with a dischargeable weighing container and a real weighing system. The weighing system is used both for causing the material flow to stop, when the container has received, approximately, a predetermined weight of material, and to thereafter weigh the material portion with high accuracy. The material flow is not restarted until the container has been emptied. For high accuracy the weighing results are differential, the container being weighed both before and after emptying. A simple and cheap electronic weighing system of high accuracy contributes to a low cost apparatus, which is then an advantageous alternative to the more primitive traditional batch weighing apparatus.

Abstract: An improved method of taking tare weights is provided for automatic weighing machines. Periodically, the sequence of weighing cycles is interrupted in order that a tare cycle may be executed. During the tare cycle, all the weighing buckets of the weighing machine which were emptied in the last weighing cycle are weighed in their empty state. The new values for the tare weights are stored and the old values are discarded. By introducing a tare cycle between successive weighing cycles, all weighing buckets are available in each weighing cycle for finding the best combination.

Abstract: A method of zero adjustment for a combinatorial weighing or counting system which operates by weighing batches of articles by use of a plurality of weighing machines, computing combinations of the respective weight values of the batches of articles in the individual weighing machines or combinations of the respective numbers of articles, converted from the respective weight values, in the batches, selecting a combination which is equal or the nearest to a set value, and discharging the articles from the weighing machines corresponding to the selected combination, wherein at each time or after a predetermined number of discharges, zero adjustment is automatically made of a selected one of the weighing machines which have discharged their articles, without stopping the operation of the system.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method for a computerized weighing apparatus employs those combination patterns, in which only one weighing machine from a pair of weighing machines is included to participate in those combinatorial computation, and a combination patterns, in which both machines of a single pair are part of the combination pattern. These combination patterns are used to compute a total combined weight value so that, when both weighing machines of one pair are selected as part of an optimum combination and discharge their articles, at least one of the machines in the pair is caused not to participate in a subsequent combinatorial computation but is subjected to a zero-point adjustment.

Abstract: In a measuring method of a load weight carried by a vehicle wherein the load weight is measured by subtracting the weight of vehicle when the vehicle is empty from the weight of the vehicle when it is loaded, the load weight being supported by suspension cylinders of the vehicle, it is adapted to measure the weight of the vehicle when it is loaded and/or the weight of the vehicle when it is empty by the steps of detecting pressures in all suspension cylinders sequentially during a given period of time while the vehicle is vibrating, calculating the weights applied to all the suspension cylinders based on the detected pressures and the cross-sectional area of the cylinders, and obtaining an average value of the calculated weight at the given period of time.

Abstract: A zero-point correction device, which is associated especially with an automatic weighing machine for weighing powdered product repeatedly, for correcting its zero-point deviating from its initial position as the number of weighed batches increases due to accumulation of residual product in the weighing hopper or cradle, without interruption of the machine operation.

Abstract: A weighing machine for filling containers with a particulate material has a load cell for measuring the amount of material in the container as it is being filled, and differential voltage comparator for determining when the indicated weight of material in the container equals a preset value, or cut-off weight. When the voltage comparator shows the two are equal the flow of material is stopped, but additional material continues to dribble into the container to reach a final weight which may be higher than the desired or target weight. The amount of overweight or underweight of the material in the container is determined, and serves to control a source of voltage which is inserted in series with the cut-off set point voltage. This differential voltage is a function of the amount of overweight or underweight of the contents.

Abstract: Bulk materials are supplied on to a conveyor one after another with the supply port filled with the material. Since the pressure applied to the conveyor surface by the material is constant, what is called the fall error is eliminated. In one embodiment the conveyor is moved while in another embodiment the material is carried by scrapers secured to a chain conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for stacking and weighing slices of cold-cuts coming from the discharge end of a slicing machine. The apparatus is initially set to receive slices in stacked form on a stacker. A scale is positioned with respect to the stacker to register the weight after a preselected amount of slices are collected on the stacker. A tare correction control system and a profile compensation control system are provided to assist in maintaining more uniform weight with fewer rejected stacks. The tare correction system is utilized to automatically reset the scale between weighings to compensate for build-up of scrap materials on the weight conveyor. The profile compensation control system is provided to compensate for tapers on the rear and front ends of a load to be sliced and accordingly adjust the slice thickness and obtain uniform and acceptable stack weights.

Abstract: A weighing scale and a label printer/applier are cooperatively combined with a wrapping machine to form a packaging machine into which a trayed commodity can be inserted and a wrapped and priced package removed. The weight of a trayed commodity is preferably determined as it is transported into the packaging machine. The tray size, known commodity and weight of the trayed commodity or package are utilized to determine the length and width of a sheet of film to be used to wrap the package. The package weight is passed to a label printer which calculates the price for the commodity being packaged, prints the label and passes it to a labeling head incorporated into a portion of the wrapping machine. The package weight is determined by subtracting a tare weight based on sensed package dimensions from the gross weight of the package to arrive at an accurate net pricing weight.

Abstract: A combination weighing system searches a plurality of scales for a combination which provides a minimum total weight of product not less than a pre-established target weight. The search for the best combination is performed on the basis of an ordered search sequence of all combinations, and certain steps of the sequence and corresponding combinations are omitted from the sequence if they involve subcombinations previously searched and found to be at or above the target weight. The scales produce signals representative of the product weight, and the signals are calibrated and processed to eliminate measurement errors.

Abstract: An automatic method and associated apparatus for weighing material and in particular for determining signature counts in association with a printing press. The system provides for the automatic registration of tare weight and for automatic removal detection and automatic registration of the last weight prior to removal. Also, in one embodiment described herein there is displayed a time signal representative of the time to go with regard to obtaining a desired full complement of good signatures.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting between a mechanical or electrical mode for controlling the flow of fibers by motor driven feed lift aprons from a plurality of hoppers to a plurality of weigh pans for producing a predetermined blend of fibers. The mechanical mode utilizes a balance arm assembly which can be set to feed a predetermined amount of fibers into a weigh pan. The electrical mode utilizes thumbwheel switches which can be set for regulating the amount of fibers to be fed into each weigh pan. The electrical mode system also utilizes a comparator for comparing a signal representing the actual weight of fibers in the weigh pan that is produced by a load cell with a signal representing the desired weight of fibers produced by the thumbwheel switches and generates a control signal responsive thereto. The control signal is used for operating a motor driven feed lift apron associated with the hopper.

Abstract: A method of selecting the operating mode of an electronic scale, and an electronic scale using said method, wherein either a computing mode or a checking mode is selected and operation is executed based on the selected mode. The computing mode is a mode wherein an arithmetic operation is performed based on the weight of articles sensed by a weight sensor and on items of data input from an input device having a plurality of keys, and wherein a display device displays information relating to the articles, which information includes the result of the arithmetic operation. The checking mode is a mode wherein the operation of the electronic scale is checked for abnormality.

Abstract: A weighbelt is conventionally placed in or associated with a production line for weighing material supplied during production. The weighbelt of the invention has a belt 10 which can be lifted by rollers 18 out of contact with a planar support plate 16 without stopping the belt 10. A known mass 24 is then lowered into a cradle 26 to provide a downward force on the plate 16 to calibrate output signals of a strain gauge 22. The strain gauge 22 provides output signals when the belt is supported by the plate 16 indicative of the material loading on the belt 10. The weighbelt can be calibrated without stopping the belt 10 and disrupting production.

Abstract: An unmanned apparatus for collecting scrap aluminum cans and for compensating depositors based on the weight of such cans deposited includes a micro-processor control means which produces control signals for operating the apparatus and dispensing compensation, calibrating a weighing means, monitoring and displaying the existence of alarm conditions and de-energizing the apparatus until the conditions which caused the alarm are corrected. Further, a communication port is provided to transmit and receive remote information as for example from a central dispatch. The compensation and the rate thereof is controlled by a permanent non-volatile memory means and the weight of the cans upon which compensation is based is displayed to the depositor.

Abstract: A method of zero adjustment for a combinatorial weighing or counting system which operates by weighing batches of articles by use of a plurality of weighing machines, computing combinations of the respective weight values of the batches of articles in the individual weighing machines or combinations of the respective numbers of articles, converted from the respective weight values, in the batches, selecting a combination which is equal or the nearest to a set value, and discharging the articles from the weighing machines corresponding to the selected combination, wherein at each time of discharge, zero adjustment is automatically made of a selected one of the weighing machines which have discharged their articles, without stopping the operation of the system.

Abstract: A weight monitoring apparatus which is suitable for use in a computerized control system and which provides a visual net relative weight indication, as well as an alarm, indicative that an alarm level weight is being approached by the article being weighed.

Abstract: An electronic scale electronically determines postage or shipping rates and displays also actual weight in chosen increments of items weighed by a platform atop an enclosure of the scale. A weight sensor provides an analog signal representing item weight. This signal is converted to a digital signal and provided to a computing circuit having a microprocessor for computing weight and rate signals corresponding to the digital signal. Separate weight and rate displays display total weight digitally and display also the actual cost of shipping or postage. An encoded rate selection device is readily and selectively usable with, and replaceable with respect to, the enclosure allowing the user to select a desired predetermined postage or shipping rate schedule, or structure. This device may be a rate selection card carried upon a front panel of the enclosure or a circuit board received within the enclosure.

Abstract: A weight grading and sorting apparatus including a base having a top surface, a plurality of trolleys riding on the top surface, each having a tippable cup and an endless conveyor mounted on the base engaging in conveying the plurality of trolleys around the top surface, a weighing device in the base including a portion of the top surface, and a control device in the base operatively associated with the weighing device and including a plurality of tippers at separate positions around the base adapted to selectively tip each cup at a certain position based on the weight of the contents thereof.

Abstract: A weighpan is controlled by a microprocessor to tare itself between successive weighings and the microprocessor resets the weight at which supply to the weighpan is regulated in accordance with a shortfall or excess delivered on previous weighings.