Abstract: A system for sensing the value of a physical property (such as force, temperature or movement) and having a plurality of sensors used in combination, for example a weighing system where a plurality of load cells are employed to sense the magnitude of a load placed on a weighing platform, has a first analogue to digital (A/D) converter and a second A/D converter, capable of faster operation than said first A/D converter; wherein said first A/D converter produces a signal representative of the average of the physical property and said second A/D converter produces a signal representative of the distribution of sensor output signal amplitudes amongst the sensors, thereby overcoming the problems associated with the prior art in producing a high resolution, high accuracy result but without requiring a high speed, high resolution A/D converter.

Abstract: A weighing machine, such as a combinational weighing machine, has scale cells and a plurality of dummy cells installed on the same floor. The scale cells output weight signals corresponding to the weights of objects being loaded. The mode of vibrations of the floor is detected from dummy signals from the dummy cells, vertical displacements of the floor at the positions of the scale cells are calculated, and their effects are eliminated from the weight signals. Those of the scale cells not selected after a cycle of combinational calculations can be used as dummy cells in the next cycle. A memory device may be provided to store preferred combinations of such scale cells not selected that may be used for this purpose. Effects of the floor vibrations can be eliminated more accurately if the differences in sensitivity among the cells due to physical characteristics of the individual cells and/or due to the different loads on them can be taken into account either by a feedback calculation or by a formula.

Abstract: A multi-point cell type weighing machine has a plural number of scale cells set on a floor to support a table and to output weight signals indicative of weights measured thereby of a target object placed on the table. One or more floor vibration detecting cells are set on the same floor and output floor vibration detection signals indicative of the vibrations of the floor. The weight signals are corrected on the basis of vibration components of the floor vibration detection signals. A standard weight is placed at a larger plural number of places on the table than there are scale cells and output sensitivity ratios among the scale cells are calculated from outputted values from the scale cells, and the weight signals are further corrected on the basis of the output sensitivity ratios. These weight signals are added together and the weight of the target object is obtained from the added signal.

Abstract: A weighing machine, such as a combinational weighing machine, has scale cells and a plurality of vibration-detecting cells installed on the same floor. The scale cells output weight signals corresponding to the weights of objects being loaded. The mode of vibrations of the floor is detected from signals from the vibration-detecting cells. Vertical displacements of the floor at the positions of the scale cells are calculated therefrom, and their effects are removed from the weight signals. A control device is provided such that the effects of floor vibrations are ignored if they are sufficiently weak.

Abstract: A balance includes a weighing cell which is surrounded by an elastic tubular bellows or a soft-elastic hose without ribs and is protected against the penetration of dust and water, wherein one end of the bellows or hose is attached to the stationary end of the weighing cell and the other end of the bellows is attached to the load-receiving deflectable end of the weighing cell. At least one bending-stiff support pipe which surrounds the weighing cell in the area of the bellows or hose is placed in the interior of the bellows or hose.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus capable of actively weighing a load in a rapid and accurate manner is presented. The weighing device includes an electromechanical linear actuator coupled to a load cell, wherein the output of the load cell is received by a feedback controller that generates an input signal received by the electromechanical linear actuator. A processor receives both the output signal and a measured value of the input signal and derives therefrom a weight for the load coupled to the weighing device. By employing the load cell output for feedback, the need for a position sensor is eliminated. The response time of the apparatus is enhanced by the electromechanical linear actuator which functions to quickly bring the load being weighed to a mechanical equilibrium position. Weight values may also be obtained by forcing one of the input or output signals to zero and then measuring the other of the signals.

Abstract: A weighing method and apparatus includes a weighing cell for weighing an article and outputting a weighing signal corresponding to the weight thereof and a floor vibration detecting cell for detecting vibration of a floor on which the weighing cell is installed and for outputting a floor vibration detection signal. The weighing signal and the floor vibration detection signal are selectively sampled at a predetermined sampling frequency and an A/D converter converts each of the sampled signals into a digital weighing signal or a digital floor vibration detection signal, respectively. A first digital filter filters the digital weighing signal and a second digital filter filters the digital floor vibration detection signal. A floor vibration compensator subtracts the filtered digital floor vibration detection signal from the filtered digital weighing signal and outputs a floor vibration compensated signal wherein an error of the weighing signal caused by the floor vibration is compensated for.

Abstract: A weighing vibratory apparatus and method. In one embodiment, an infeed vibratory conveyor element feeds a bulk product to a weighing vibratory conveyor element. In another embodiment, bulk product is fed directly to a weighing vibratory conveyor element and flow rate is determined by measuring the loss of weight therefrom. The weighing vibratory conveyor element includes a weight measuring apparatus that weighs the product at the same time that the product is being dispensed through vibrations. The weight measuring apparatus may be coupled to the vibratory conveyor element through damping mechanisms. An electrical signal output of the weight measuring apparatus may be low-pass filtered to provide an improved signal for feeding to a controller for controlling the flow rate.

Abstract: An overload protection device for a precision balance includes a measuring cell having a short travel distance, a parallel guide unit connected to a load receiving unit, and an auxiliary parallel guide unit whose guide members are connected to the load receiving unit, on the one hand, and to a weighing dish carrier member, on the other hand, wherein the guide members of the auxiliary parallel guide unit are pretensioned by at least one spring and form a rigid unit with the load receiving unit within the loading range of the balance. The auxiliary parallel guide unit includes an upper guide member and a lower guide member, wherein the two ends of the guide members of the auxiliary parallel guide unit on the side of the weighing dish are connected to each other by at least one guide bolt fastened to the upper guide member and the lower guide member. The guide bolt extends with play through a support plate which is fixedly connected to the load receiving unit of the measuring cell.

Abstract: In an inertial mass measurement instrument, an active force compensator compensates for inertial forces transmitted by an oscillating elastic element to a primary support of the instrument. The compensator applies equal and opposite compensating forces to the primary support along an effective line of action of the oscillating element. Application of the compensating forces result in a substantially zero net acceleration of the primary support and avoids measurement inaccuracies attributable to changes in properties of secondary support elements.

Abstract: A combination of a weighing cell (C) with a displacement sensor (S) is disclosed, in which the weighing cell (C) includes a strain inducing element (1) having a strain generating region (55) at which strain is generated in response to application of a load thereto, and a strain gauge (56) for detecting the strain generated in the strain generating region (55), and the displacement sensor (S) includes a fixed rigid component (10), a movable rigid components (11) forming a weight element, a generally elongated beam member (20) rigidly secured at opposite ends to the fixed and movable rigid components (10, 11), respectively, so as to extend between the fixed and movable rigid components (10, 11), and a displacement detecting element (23) mounted on the elongated beam member (20) for outputting an electric signal of a magnitude proportional to the amount of displacement of the movable rigid component (11) in a direction generally perpendicular to the elongated beam member (20).

Abstract: A scale for fast determination of weights including a platform and load cell transducer. Output of the transducer is converted to a digital signal, processed by a low pass digital filter, and weights computed as a function of the sequence of digital signals by means of an algorithm which compares a first estimate of the weight to the break points of a postal rate chart and user the first estimate if it is not within a predetermined distance of a break point, and otherwise determines a second, more accurate estimate. The platform and transducers are combined to form a structure which does not have any significant resonance below the cut off frequency of the filter.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus including a stability display indicator (SA) arranged adjacent the load read-out display (RA) for indicating when the movement of the load-receiving member relative to the housing has diminished to a quasi-stable condition within a given tolerance range, thereby to shorten the time required to perform one or more weighing operations. An automatic standstill detector (ASD) contains a control system which, upon change of a tolerance range display, for example, by darkening or illuminating individual indicators matched up with the tolerance ranges, signals the moment at which the load receiving member achieves a given quasi-stable standstill condition.

Abstract: A mailing machine comprised of a plurality of modules, each of the modules a particular process function on a delivered envelope. The modules are arranged with in a single process station. The comprising modules include a load cell type scale module having means for weighing a envelope, a transport module having means for positioning the envelope in the process station and ejecting the envelope from the process station, a meter module having printing means for imprinting an indicia on the envelope, a platen module having means for causing the envelope to contact the printing means of the meter module, and a inking module having means for causing printing ink to be deposited on the printing means of the meter module. The modules operate in a manner functionally independent of any other module and in a manner. A tape module is included having means for positioning a tape for indicia printing between the meter module.

Abstract: A scale for fast determination of weights including a platform and a load cell transducer. Output of the transducer is converted to a digital signal, processed by a low pass digital filter, and weights computed as a function of the sequence of digital signals by means of an algorithm which compares a first estimate of the weight to the break points of a postal rate chart and uses the first estimate if it is not within a predetermined distance of a break point, and otherwise determines a second, more accurate estimate. The platform and transducers are combined to form a structure which does not have any significant resources below the cut-off frequency of the filter.

Abstract: An electronic scale for weighing an article includes a weighing channel for providing an output indicative of the instantaneous weight of the article and a reference channel for providing an output indicative of instantaneous vibrations affecting the output of the weighing channel. The scale also has a mechanism for providing a signal indicative of a long term average of the reference channel's output. Another mechanism of the scale compares the average signal with the reference channel's output and provides a validation signal when the reference channel's output does not differ by more than a threshold amount from the average signal.

Abstract: A weigh feeding apparatus for pourable substances such as granulates, powders and fluids consisting of a container equipped with a controllable device for discharging the substance, weighing apparatus for the container or for a conveyor arranged subsequently to the discharging device. Attached to this is an electronic circuitry provided with a computer for the regulation and control of the discharging device, which counts the digital measuring signals of the weighing apparatus during a period of time, compares them with a reference value and produces a setting or control value for the discharging device at a divergence of the signal.

Abstract: A digital filter for filtering a weight indicative signal provided by a weighing device to remove undesirable oscillatory components caused by mechanical vibration of the weighing device. The filter has a plurality of notch frequencies in its transfer characteristic within and/or near the frequency range including such undesirable oscillatory components. The filter utilizes a transfer function of multiplex progressing averages of a series of sample values extracted from the weight signal.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus has a scale cell and a dummy cell, both similarly structured and cantilevered. A load to be measured is applied to the free end of the scale cell and a standard weight is attached to the free end of the dummy cell. Analog electrical signals from these cells are converted to digital data. The effect of the standard weight is removed from the digital data from the dummy cell to obtain the effect of external vibrations which effect is multiplied by a suitable coefficient dependent on the applied load and subtracted from the digital data from the scale cell.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a low profile weight sensor for a weight sensing system for monitoring article input and removal from article storage apparatus comprises a plate or I-shaped bar support member having first and second sections, an integrally formed linkage system for connecting the first and second sections such that the sections are substantially coplanar in an unloaded state, and are relatively displaceable with respect to each other in response to a weight load applied to one of the sections; and a magnetic transducer mounted on surfaces extending in the thickness direction of the plate/bar member for producing an electrical output signal responsive to relative displacement of the first and second sections.

Abstract: An electronic weighing scale is adapted to determine the weight of an object. A weight signal is generated having a direct current component indicative of the weight of the object and a superposed periodic oscillatory component. The period T.sub.1 of the periodic oscillatory component of the weight signal is determined. The weight signal is sampled at sampling intervals T.sub.2, having a relationship to period T.sub.1 defined by:nT.sub.1 =NT.sub.2 ; andN.gtoreq.2nwhere n and N are positive integers, n being the number of cycles of the periodic oscillatory component during which the samples takes place, and N being the number of samples taken. The samples of the weight signal are averaged and the weight of the object is determined based on the averaged samples.

Abstract: A balance, which is virtually insensitive to angular deviation and to the presence of additional accelerations of the base, has two dynamometers (2, 3) each having a parallel guide (26). The parallel guides are mutually parallel and their degree of freedom coincides with the direction of gravitational acceleration when the balance is horizontal. The dynamometer (2) measures the weight (M) of the object to be weighed, and the dynamometer (3) measures that of a reference mass (8, 22,24). The balance also has a computer (4) which, from the signals emitted by the two dynamometers (2,3), accurately determines the mass of the object to be weighed independently of the angular deviation of the instantaneous total acceleration. During calibration, which can be carried out only by the manufacturer, the dynamometer (3) determines the weight R.sub.1, R.sub.2 of the reference mass (8, 22, 24) at two different inclinations of the balance and the dynamometer (2) determines the weight (N.sub.1, N.sub.

Abstract: The gravimetric control of a mass flow from or into a container located on a balance using a pulsating dosing pump, the output signal of the balance is digitally filtered in such a manner that the course in time of the mass flow is cyclically estimated from the filtered wighing signal. This estimated value of the course in time of the mass flow is used to calculate the course in time of an auxiliary mass flow which compensates the pulsation of the mass flow of the pulsating dosing pump and a speed course is calculated from the course in time of the auxiliary mass flow for driving an auxiliary dosing pump.

Abstract: A filter system for mass/weight apparatus that produces an electrical signal correlated to a mass/weight including a mechanical design for the apparatus so that the resonant vibrational frequency thereof falls above signal components of interest in the electrical signal, a fifth order low pass analog signal, and a digital low pass filter having 21/2 poles at a cut-off frequency designated so as to preserve signed characteristics in the signal of interest and significantly attenuate signal characteristics due to resonant vibrational noise.

Abstract: This invention relates to load cells having integral load measurement and measurement data output means. Load cells have previously comprised a load support member and a force detection element and all detection and measurement of the electrical characteristic of the force detection element have take place external to the load cell device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-motion weighing is effectuated by a load cell combined with a means to filter the output thereof and apply the product to a programmable gain amplifier. The programmable gain amplifier's output is filtered and applied to a microprocessor which automatically regulates the programmable gain amplifier according to algorithms which results in an educable system responsive to basic operator initiation commands for determing and setting automatic in-motion weighing functions. Digital filter techniques are use to enhance overall system tolerances.

Abstract: A weighing system including a weighing cell (1) which supplies a measurement signal (I) to an A/D converter (3) via a signal line (2). An interference signal (i), superposed on the measurement signal, is decoupled out of signal line (2) at the signal output of the weighing cell (1), rotated by means of an inverter (4) in terms of phase by 180.degree., and again coupled into the signal line (2) at the signal input of the A/D converter. An ohmic resistance (RO) is connected in series in the signal line (2) between the uncoupling node (AK) and the in-coupling node (EK). The interference signal (i) is decoupled preferably capacitively via a series circuit that forms the frequency-determining member of the active low-pass filter including a condenser (C) and an ohmic resistance (R1). On the other hand, a galvanic coupling (R3) is provided for the recoupling of the interference signal (-i).

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital scale, in which an analog output signal of a weighing cell is converted in an analog/digital converter into a digital signal. The digital signal is applied to a microprocessor, which compares it with a zero value, derives the weight to be displayed from the comparison and causes it to be displayed in a display device. At regular time intervals, a clock transducer turns the weighing cel on and stores the thus received output signal of the weighing cell in memory in alternation. The output signal most recently ascertained and stored memory is compared with the stored output signal ascertained one time interval previously and, and if the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold is displayed in the display device.

Abstract: A weighing unit for use with a scale wherein weight signals are inputted into a weight processor. The weight processor is adapted to output a calculated weight of the non-stationary object which closely approximates the actual or dead weight of the non-stationary object. The weight processor receives the weight signals and identifies weight signals close in time which have differences within a predetermined limit and these weight signals are manipulated to determine the calculated weight.

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: A load cell produces an oscillating signal indicative of the weight of the product. The maximum and minimum values of the oscillating signal are determined to provide a reference value which is an average of the maximum and minimum values. Using the reference value for the starting point and ending point, one cycle of the oscillating signal is identified and integrated to determine the corresponding weight of the product. The apparatus compensates for errors in the relationship between the actual starting and ending points of the cycle and the reference value.

Abstract: A digital filter or an equivalent device for filtering a weight signal provided by a weighing device to remove undesirable oscillatory components caused by mechanical vibration of the weighing device, which is constructed to have a plurality of notch frequencies in its transfer characteristic within and/or near the frequency range including such undesirable oscillatory components by utilizing the principle of transfer function of multiplex progressive averages of a series of sample values extracted from the weight signal.

Abstract: An arrangement for continuous feeding of an extruder of plastics, in which a casing receives a weighing container and has an upper part and a lower part. A weighing bar is located in the upper part of the casing. The lower part is closed and has a hopper shape. A casing cover plate carries the weighing container with the weighing bar. A material feed nozzle is mounted on the casing cover plate, and an outlet chute is connected to the lower part of the casing. A level switch in the chute signals when the next batch to be fed to the extruder is to be weighed. Distance spacing elements support the casing cover plate on the lower part of the casing. Vibration dampers are provided under the casing cover plate. An elastic hose element surrounds the weighing container and has secured sealed ends. The elastic hose element extends betwee the casing cover plate and the lower part of the casing.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method includes reading and storing output data from a plurality of weighing machines, and monitoring the weighing state of each weighing machine at all times on the basis of the stored data. When performing a combinatorial calculation, weight data from weighing machines in a stable state is read and these weight data participate in the combinatorial calculation. A combinatorial weighing apparatus for practicing the foregoing method has a reading circuit for constantly reading output data from each of the weighing machines, a memory for storing the read data, a sensing circuit for sensing whether each weighing machine is in a stable state based on the stored data, and an arithmetic circuit for executing a combinatorial calculation based upon weight data from those weighing machines in a stable state.

Abstract: A microcomputerized electronic balance has a digital filter which filters the output of a weight transducer in the balance. The filter changes the amount of filtering in response to the resolution of a display in the balance, the desires of the user of the balance as reflected by the state of a manual data entry means manipulated by the user, and the stability of the balance. Use of such filter results in a stable display of weight related data and good response time for the display.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of determining the mass of an article by the shift of the period of oscillation of a flexibly mounted platform. An article whose mass is to be determined is placed upon the platform. The platform is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is calibrated. This period is compared against the period of harmonic motion when there is no article upon the platform, and the difference, or shift, in frequency, allows a determination of the mass of the article.

Abstract: Data from weighing devices of a combinational weighing system are transmitted through a multiplexer and sample-and-hold circuits and are converted into digital signals by an analog-to-digital converter. Values of these digital signals are constantly monitored and a specified number of these values are used to determine stability conditions of the weighing devices. Only the weight data from stabilized weighing devices are used for combinational calculation.

Abstract: A weighing device of a type wherein a vibrating weight indicative signal is integrated and averaged by arithmetic means and the resultant weight is digitally displayed, with the arithmetic means being improved in accordance with the invention by providing means for calculating the period of vibration of the associated vibrating system to determine the integration time from the calculated vibration period, thereby minimizing the measuring error attributable to a variation in the vibration period with the weight of product to be weighed.

Abstract: A slicing machine for cold cuts with a carriage for the goods to be sliced (2), an arresting plate, a blade (3) a depositing device (4) and a depositing tray (7) on a slidable, rotatable or vertically adjustable tray carrier (8) is equipped with a load cell (10), to which the depositing tray (7), respectively its carrier is fastened on the load side. The load cell (10) is mounted on the carrier ( 8) to ride along therewith. The load cell (10) is connected to an evaluating circuit and an indicator (19,21). A keyboard (6,20) for the price per kilogram or for the input of a target weight, respectively of a desired number of slices can further be provided, which is connected over the evaluating unit with the drive of the carriage (2) for the foodstuff to be cut, for the purpose of its uncoupling.

Abstract: Cancellation of noise in the weighing channel output of an electronic scale due to external vibrations is achieved by use of a reference, non-weighing channel in the scale. The reference channel is exposed to the vibrations affecting the weighing channel. The average output, Aavg, of the reference channel is divided by the instantaneous output, A.sub.t, thereof, and the result is multiplied by the instantaneous output, W.sub.t, of the weighing channel to obtain a corrected output, Wavg, indicative of the weight of an article plus tare. Method and Apparatus are disclosed. Analog and Digital embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: In a system and a method for measuring the rate at which powdered material flows from a container wherein a first analog signal representing the weight of the container is produced, the analog signal is differentiated to obtain a second signal corresponding to the flow rate and the second signal is passed through an adaptive filter. The adaptive filter includes a first low pass filter having a first time constant for producing a third signal and a second low-pass filter to produce a fourth signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a loss-in-weight feeding system including an accelerometer for detecting extraneous disturbances impinging on the system and preventing the disturbance from adversely affecting the feed rate. A split-beam weighing assembly senses the weight of the material in the container and produces a first signal to control the feed rate. The accelerometer is mounted on the split beam assembly and produces an acceleration signal. The acceleration signal is compared with a predetermined limit, and if the comparison shows a difference beyond a predetermined size, the action of the first signal is inhibited.

Abstract: A method for fast weighing on an electronic scale is disclosed. Periodic samples are taken of the weight of an object placed upon the scale, and succeeding samples are compared for similarity within a given tolerance. The overall range of the scale is divided into various regions based upon frequency of use and reliability of readings. Fewest readings are required for that scale region of most frequent use and greatest reliability, thereby minimizing the time required for completing the weighing of objects with weights falling within that region.

Abstract: A device used with a conveyer weigher for automatically correcting dynamic weight signals indicative of the weights of articles successively fed to the weighing conveyer of the weigher at constant intervals, wherein the weight signal of each article is influenced by the "aftereffect" of that of the preceding article, which can automatically change the rate of correction when any article drops out from a regular interval feed line, thereby obtaining the true static weight of each article at any time.

Abstract: A combinational weighing system with a plurality of article batch handling means has an article feeding means for feeding articles to be weighed into the individual article batch handling means, and after a desired combination or weights within a preselected range is determined by a computer, the article batches from the selected article batch handling means are discharged together to be made into a package. The system also includes a means for measuring the weight of the article accumulated on the article feeding means and the output signal from such a weight-measuring means is transmitted to control the operation of a conveyor for supplying the articles to the article feeding means.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit for a weighing apparatus comprises an amplifier circuit for amplifying a weight signal outputted from a weighing device, an active filter which serves to attenuate noise components in the weight signal from the amplifier circuit, and switches for selecting whether the active filter should function as a filter or a buffer according to a predetermined timing schedule.

Abstract: An automatic powder dispensing and measuring apparatus which automatically and rapidly and accurately delivers a preselected amount of powder such as gun powder to a scale. The powder dispensing apparatus is preferably in the form of screw threaded barrels rotatably driven by an electric motor which pick up powder from a chamber and dispense it from the end of the barrel to a scale. An electronic circuit controls the rotation speed of the screw threaded barrels in response to sensing means which cause no mechanical resistance to scale motion, positioned to sense the weight being measured by the scale. As the scale approaches the precise preselected amount of powder the electronic circuit responds by slowing the rotational rate of at least one of the screw threaded barrels to slow the feed rate and stop the rotation and flow of powder when the weight the scale reaches the precise preselected amount.

Abstract: System and method for providing a stable digital display of a value which fluctuates such as the input signal produced by a moving load on an electronic weighing scale. Digital readings are integrated over time, and the variations in the digital readings become insignificant compared to the sum of the readings in the historical average. Weight readings are automatically calibrated for span and linearization.

Abstract: An electronic weighing device comprises a weighing apparatus for generating weight data responsive to the weight of a load, a memory having a true value memory area and N data memory areas for time sequentially storing the weight data from this weighing apparatus in every sampling cycle, a display device for displaying at least the true value data stored in the true value memory area, and a control unit for storing into the true value memory area the true value data calculated by processing the weight data stored in the N data memory areas in accordance with a display blinking prevention process. When it is detected that the difference between the weight data derived in two successive sampling cycles is a predetermined value or more, the control unit inhibits the display blinking prevention process and stores into the true value memory area the true value data calculated on the basis of the weight data stored in the N data memory areas.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus has a scale cell and a dummy cell, both similarly structured and cantilevered. A load to be measured is applied to the free end of the scale cell and a standard weight is attached to the free end of the dummy cell. Analog electrical signals from these cells are converted to digital data. The effect of the standard weight is removed from the digital data from the dummy cell to obtain the effect of external vibrations which effect is multiplied by a suitable coefficient dependent on the applied load and subtracted from the digital data from the scale cell.