Abstract: A control device for a robot arm is designed such that, based on information on a transportation state database in which information on a transportation state of a person operating the arm is recorded, an impedance setting unit sets a mechanical impedance set value of the arm, and an impedance control unit controls a mechanical impedance value of the arm to the mechanical impedance set value thus set.

Abstract: A portable, pocket-sized weight loss Dial Tracker Scale has adjustable settings for indicating current weight, goal weight and weight loss/weight gain. The Dial Tracker Scale has insignia, business logos and motivational statements to encourage weight loss behavior. The Dial Tracker Scale may be a mechanical device requiring no battery power. Alternatively, the Dial Tracker Scale may be a battery powered electronic device with enhanced functions such as remote wireless communication with a special bathroom floor scale or computer web program adapted to interface with a Dial Tracker Scale Web Site to tabulate or graphically display weight loss or weight gain. In addition, the electronic scale has the ability to download its image into a cell phone where weight indications are changeable with volume, pound and star type buttons.

Abstract: A postal rate device for use in cooperation with a scale for facilitating interchangeability of an insert card bearing indicia representing a weight to rate conversion table. The device includes a cover which is configured with a recessed portion that accepts insertion of the insert card as well as a releasably securable shield. There are clips on the back side of the cover for removable attachment to the scale face plate. An aperture in the recessed portion of the cover facilitates effecting release of the shield by pushing a pencil or the like through the aperture even while the cover remains attached. Alternatively, once the cover is detached a pencil or the like may be pushed through an aperture to release the shield and insert card or the user may grasp the cover and push on the back side of the recessed portion to pop-out the shield and insert card. Accordingly, removal and replacement of the insert card from the scale, can be readily accomplished without the use of any special tools.

Abstract: A weighing instrument for the analysis of the weight-related characteristics of different materials has a pointer rotated about an axis in response to the weight of the material and which indicates a selected characteristic of the material on a selected graduated scale carried by an interchangeable slide. In the preferred embodiment, the weighing instrument is part of a diet control system also including an organized set of interchangeable slides each of which carries a number of concentric scales graduated in calories for respective food or drink items in a related food group. To facilitate handling of the slides, the slides are rigid and rectangular, and the weighing instrument has a rectangular slot for receiving and holding the slides under the force of their own weight. The pointer is protected by being carried on a circular disc and being covered by a viewing window which also serves to define the rectangular slot for receiving the slides.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus for indicating weight which includes a scale for body weight, a calorie scale carried by the body weight scale, standard weight setting scale coordinated with the calorie scale so that a calorie intake will be indicated to lower or raise the body weight to bring it to the standard weight and an exercise scale for indicating amount of exercise and coordinated with the calorie scale to modify the calorie intake in accordance with the calories utilized as a result of the exercise.