Abstract: An electronic scale used for weighing an object or material. The scale includes a platform arranged to move upon receipt of a material thereon. The device further includes frame means, a variable capacitor having a first and a second plate, torsional spring means which is coupled both to the frame means and to the platform means such that movement of the platform means upon receipt of the material thereon causes the torsional means to twist about an axis without incurring non-torsional deformation. This results in one of the plates being displaced relative to the other of the plates to produce an electrical signal indicative of the weight of the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inexpensive, portable, and accurate method and apparatus for calculating the weight of a vehicle while it is in motion. The apparatus to which the present invention relates is in the field of Weigh-In-Motion devices.In the present invention, an optical fiber is embedded into a matrix such as a rubber pad and a multiplicity of microbending fixtures are distributed along the path of the optic fiber. Then as the wheels of a vehicle pass over the pad the force of the wheels cause the microbending fixtures over which they pass to pinch together and attenuate the light which is transmitted through the optic fiber. The light transmitted through the optic fiber from a light source at one end of the optic fiber is received by a light receiver at the other end of the optic fiber. Then by measuring the amount of light input and the net amount of light output, and calibrating the device, the weight of each axle and the weight of the vehicle above that axle can be measured.

Abstract: Weight sensing apparatus, typically a personal scale, employs a thin film of piezoelectric polymeric material as the transducing component for converting mechanical pressure in the form of applied weight to voltages which are digitally displayed in pounds.

Abstract: Electronic scale apparatus includes a face transducer having a first analog output; digital to analog converter circuitry having a second output; a first differential amplifier to receive such outputs and to produce a third output; and a second differential amplifier to receive the third output and output of the converter circuitry to produce another output. A major portion of the weight of the object being weighed is determined at the output of the first differential amplifier (i.e. a coarse measurement). The remaining portion or difference is then amplified and balanced out at the second differential amplifier, enabling accurate determination of weight and driving of the digital to analog converter in feed-back mode.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for grading large batches of fruit by sampling technique. A sample, drawn from a batch, is divided into two approximately equal portions, one portion being inspected without being weighed. The other portion is weighed and then inspected. Grade-defect material is placed into separately classified buckets and weighed one by one. Grade-defect percentages are then determined and acceptance and grading thereby determined. A weigh hopper is suspended from a load cell by a pair of wires, one at each side of the weigh hopper. A turnbuckle on each wire enables adjustment, and excessive motion of the weigh hopper is dampened. The load cell is suspended from a shock transmission member which rests on a shock-absorbing spring that is compressed when shock loads are exerted.

Abstract: A pressure sensing mat utilizes a thin sheet of semiconductor material that has an electrical conductivity generally invariable as to pressure applied to the mat material. The sheet of semiconductor material is sandwiched between sheets of copper, steel or aluminum foil which are in mechanical contact with the semiconductor sheet to define a pair of electrodes. The electrodes are connected to various circuits including a pressure (voltage) threshold detector, a learning circuit for establishing a learned threshold, a circuit for matching time-pressure patterns and a circuit for detecting pressures between a predetermined maximum and minimum level. A matrix of pressure sensing mats is utilized with various circuits to detect sequential pressure patterns.

Abstract: A balance is provided with a digital readout, a display device and transfer device for transferring measured values to the display device at a selected frequency. The frequency can be varied. An accessory circuit is provided for modifying at least the last digit appearing on the display device in response to an arrest criterion or a condition of the balance, such as an open measuring chamber or position of a draft shield. The criterion can be developed from comparing successive measured values.

Abstract: A weighing device using an electromagnet to attract a load bearing member where the balancing force is sensed using a Hall effect device to sense the force of the magnetic field. Means are provided to produce a signal which is linearly proportional to the weight of the object being weighed.

Abstract: A device having a movable element which floats in a force field. Such placement allowing a minimum of friction. Such element is so placed that it can continuously interrupt and vary an energy field, which variation is then detected as a signal and amplified by appropriate means. Such detection and amplification is then made observable by an appropriate output indicator.

Abstract: An electronic weighing apparatus includes a switch mounted on a base surface thereof, actuated by an actuating member biased to support a portion of the base. When weight is applied to the apparatus, the actuating member is moved to a depressed position, thereby automatically energizing the apparatus. In addition, a tab is mounted to the base near the switch. Vertical forces can be applied to the tab to depress the actuating member without disturbing the zero position of the weighing apparatus.Furthermore, the apparatus includes an optical coded disc with a plurality of concentric code tracks. A light guide conducts light to a line on the disc which is parallel to but offset from a radius of the disc. Photosensors are positioned on the other side of the disc, opposed to the light guide.

Abstract: An electronic weight measuring device includes a load cell producing an output voltage varying from -V.sub.X to 0 volts according to the weight of load, a bias circuit producing a variable bias voltage V.sub.X, voltage generator receiving the output voltages from the load cell and bias circuit and producing an output voltage varying within a range from -1/2 V.sub.X to +1/2 V.sub.X, and an analog-digital converter for converting the output voltage from the voltage generator. The electronic weight measuring device further includes a zero point setting circuit coupled to the load cell and bias circuit and applying an output voltage varying with the output voltage from the bias circuit to the load cell, so that the no-load output voltage of the load cell is kept at substantially 0 volts.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for the testing and fitting of cross-country skis including means to support the cross-country ski having sensor means distributed along its length and width adapted to emit a signal when the bottom surface of the cross-country ski presses them, display means adapted to indicate the origin of the signals from the sensor means and adjustable loading means to exert predetermined forces to points along the top surface of the ski and load measuring means adapted to indicate the applied load.

Abstract: A portable bathroom scale is described wherein an optical encoder is used to determine the scale displacement in an unambiguous manner. A convenient circuit is used to transform the optical code on an encoder disc to the code needed to activate a decimal display. A mechanism is described for automatically activating the encoder and display when a person steps on the scale and deactivate the mechanism when the person steps off the scale.

Abstract: The electronic measuring system includes a novel power supply which converts D.C. from a D.C. source to voltage pulses to drive a transducer. During intervals between transducer power pulses, an automatic drift compensation system stores an indication of system drift for use during a subsequent power pulse period. The system includes stability sensing means which render the system inoperative for measurement purposes when the signal from the measuring transducer is unstable. A plurality of sample measurement signals are taken and stored, and then passed through a programmable low pulse filter to accomplish a measurement. Thus each measurement is the result of a plurality of measurement cycles.

Abstract: An electronic weight measuring device comprises a load cell to produce a voltage signal corresponding to the weight of load applied, an amplifier circuit for amplifying the output signal of the load cell, an A/D converter circuit for converting the output signal of the amplifier circuit into a digital signal, a counter for counting the number of clock pulses corresponding to the output signal of the A/D converter circuit, a microcomputer for deriving a weight indicating signal from the count output signal of the counter, and a display unit for displaying the weight indicating signal from the microcomputer.

Abstract: The present electronic weighing apparatus comprises a load convertor, a direct current amplifier for amplifying the converted output, an analog-digital converter controlled by an enable signal for the analog-digital converting of the output from the dc amplifier, an enable signal generator for providing a periodical conversion enable signal to the analog-digital converter, and a digital display for displaying the output from the analog-digital converter. A zero tracking circuit is connected between the A/D converter and the display and comprises a storing circuit responsive to a store enable signal for storing the output from the analog-digital converter, a digital subtracter for evaluating the difference between the output from the analog-digital converter and the output from the storing circuit. The output from the digital subtracter is applied to the digital display as the weighed output. A zero judging or sensing circuit determines whether the output from the digital subtracter is zero.

Abstract: An optical detector for a weight measuring system senses the relative movement between a frame and a load support of a scale assembly. The detector includes a transducer subassembly which carries a plurality of photodetectors positioned at the end of a light path which is modulated by a pair of optical gratings. One of the gratings is fixed relative to the scale frame, and the other is mounted to the load support assembly in alignment with the fixed grating. Placement of a load upon the scale deflects the load support to provide an optical signal including a cyclic pattern of light to dark transitions which is detected by the photodetectors. Optical compensation for nonlinearities in scale load support deflection which are inherent with the scale assembly is provided by generating an optical signal which indicates displacement different from the vertical component of deflection. Such compensation is provided by establishing a predetermined grating angle relative to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: System for providing a digital indication of the load on a scale, utilizing a relative position transducer to produce two output signals which vary between fixed levels in response to incremental displacements of the output indicator of the scale. The two signals are phase encoded in that one of the signals leads the other, depending upon the direction of displacement. The two signals are processed to determine the occurrence and direction of each increment of displacement, and the count in a digital counter is incremented or decremented in response to each increment according to the direction of the displacement.

Abstract: The electronic measuring system includes a novel power supply which may receive power from a D.C. or A.C. source but which is particularly adapted to convert D.C. battery power to higher voltage pulses to drive a transducer. During intervals between transducer power pulses, an automatic drift compensation system stores an indication of system drift for use during a subsequent power pulse period. The system includes stability sensing means which render the system inoperative for measurement purposes when the signal from the measuring transducer is unstable. To compensate for a loss of time, the system automatically operates for a short period at a rapid rate subsequent to a period of input signal unstability.A novel indicator system and indicator control unit is employed wherein up-down counters are controlled in the indicator for rounding purposes.

Abstract: Scale with a digital display and an additional analogue display, the latter comprising at least one group of optically activable elements forming a row, each element corresponding to a value range of results of weighing operations, the length of the higher order range being at least ten times the length of the lower order range, all elements corresponding to value ranges lower than the value range to be displayed being activated.

Abstract: A weighing device for the automatic regulation of a crystal-growing operation includes an upright shaft on which a crucible for a crystal melt is supported. The shaft is journalled for rotation and has limited freedom of movement in downward direction under the weight of the crucible and the melt therein. Weight-responsive signal-generating devices are engaged by the shaft or components associated therewith, so that pressure is exerted upon these devices to different degrees, in dependence upon the weight of the melt in the crucible. These devices produce signals as a function of the weight acting upon them, and these signals in turn control the crystal-growing operation. The shaft is rotatable by a drive arrangement which does not require physical contact with the shaft to rotate the same.

Abstract: A weighing machine with a digital display and having a lever and coded disc that rotate about a common axis. The disc is constrained to rotate in the direction of the lever after a preset time delay, the lever rotating a distance related to the weight of an object placed on the machine. Indicia on the disc are counted during the time interval between initiation of disc rotation and the striking of a contact on the disc with a contact on the lever, the number of counts defining the weight of the object.

Abstract: An overload protective system continuously monitors the forward overturning moment on a counterbalanced lift truck and prevents further raising of the carriage or further forward tilting of the mast when the overturning moment is excessive.

Abstract: A spring weighing scale includes an optical detector which generates a moire fringe pattern and moves the pattern as an optically amplified function of scale tare deflection. A first of a pair of parallel optical gratings moves with a scale tare structure, while a second reticle grating remains fixed. Passing through both gratings is a light beam which projects a fringe pattern upon a photodetector array. Placement of a load upon the scale results in movement of successive fringes across the photodetectors and the sequential generation of weight indicative signals which are counted to determine load weight. Automatic zero load adjustment is effected by a displacement linkage driven by a stepping motor to provide displacement of the photodetector array along the axis of pattern movement. The motor is controlled by a counter monitor to register the photodetector array with the pattern image no load position such that a null count is produced.

Abstract: An optical detection system for a spring scale includes an apparatus for generating a moire interference fringe pattern and detecting the pattern movement to measure scale tare deflection and thereby determine the load weight. One of a pair of ruled parallel grating sets is fixed while the other is mounted to the tare structure in alignment with the fixed set. A lamp projects the interference pattern upon a photodetector array. The placement of a load upon the scale deflects the tare structure which results in a linear movement of the projected fringe pattern across the photodetector array and the resultant sequential generation of weight indicative signals. To compensate for variations in the spring constant of selected scale springs, the linear tare deflection required to provide movement of a given number of interference fringes past a reference is adjustable. This adjustment of effective spring constant is achieved by varying the angle of the gratings of the movable grating set.

Abstract: A weighing scale includes an optoelectronic system having apparatus for generating a moire fringe pattern and for detecting the moving of the pattern in accordance with scale tare deflection. One of a pair of ruled parallel grating sets is fixed with respect to the scale frame while the other is mounted for movement with the tare and close to and in a plane parallel with the fixed set. When a beam of light is projected through both grating sets in a transmissive mode towards a photodetector array the grating interference modulates the light beam into parallel moire fringes. Upon placement of a load on the scale, deflection of the tare results in movement of successive fringes across the photodetectors resulting in the sequential generation of weight indicative signals. The photodetectors are arrayed on and secured to a movable carrier which is adjustably positionable so that the effective spacings between the photodetectors corresponds to the spacings and proper phase angle required between said fringes.

Abstract: A system for the automatic zero setting of scales having digital display of the weight is provided so that at tare weight of a bridge mechanism connected to a weighing pan of the scale the display will be as closely equal to zero as possible. Amplifiers and a voltage/frequency transducer are connected to the electrical measuring bridge. A presettable counter connects with the voltage/frequency transducer. The counter is preset so that at tare weight of the bridge mechanism the reading of the scale will be as close to zero as possible. In the path of the information going to the counter a correction unit is arranged. The count provided by the counter is observed by a differentiating unit for detecting deviations of a given magnitude in one direction or the other from a count value which produces a zero indication. The differentiating unit then supplies the correction order and direction of correction to the correction unit.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for detecting and dispensing articles of preselected weights suspended from shackles movable along a path by conveyor means. The apparatus comprises scale means for successively weighing the shackles and articles at a weighing station along the path, mechanical to electrical transducer means coupled with the scale means for generating analog electrical signals indicative of the sensed weights, and means for digitizing the analog electrical signals. The apparatus further comprises digital computer means for comparing the digitized electrical signals with sets of digital word bits indicative of a preselected set of weight ranges, and for generating article release command signals indicative of weight ranges in which the sensed article weights are computed to lie.

Abstract: An indicating apparatus for indicating measured values in a digital manner, comprising a graduated plate adapted to be moved in accordance with the weight of an object to be weighed, the graduated plate being provided with numerical characters for indicating the weight in a digital manner and displacement indicating marks for detection of the displacement of the graduated plate, the numerical characters and displacement indicating marks being arranged in the direction of movement of the graduated plate, two light sources opposed to the graduated plate and individually correlated with two adjacent numerical characters, the two light sources being controlled so that either one of them is turned on in response to a signal indicating the displacement of the graduated plate represented by the associated displacement indicating mark thereby to indicate the measured value in a digital manner.

Abstract: A weighing scale especially adapted for use as a pediatric or infant scale having a mechanical leverage weighing structure with a high degree of sensitivity and low friction and hysteresis coupled with a compatible electronic measuring system and a digital read-out system is provided wherein a base has a weight responsive movable platform mounted thereon, a housing mounted on the base behind the platform, said housing forming an enclosure extending upwardly substantially higher than the platform with weighing mechanism inside the housing connected through an opening in the base to the platform, the weighing mechanism including a variable inductance transducer which generates a signal in response to weight on the platform and a read-out unit mounted on the top of the housing, said read-out unit displaying weight measurements and being operable in response to said signal.

Abstract: A digital decadic indicator for measured values in which the object of the invention is to indicate along with the measured values the associated accidental so-called Gaussian measurement error. This is achieved by providing in the indicator a means for indicating by electronic methods the measurement error. The unit used for the electronic calculation is advantageously built into the measuring device.