Abstract: Disclosed is a weighing system that is capable of continually sensing load against a conveyor and a calibration system for the weighing system that is capable of applying a reference load to the weighing system without interrupting the ability of the weighing system to sense load against the conveyor.

Abstract: A method for minimizing error in weight-measuring devices includes successively placing one or more standard test loads on the weighing device at a plurality of distinct testing positions located in about a peripheral of two-thirds of a weight-receiving surface of the weighing device, the loads being measured by the weighing device at discrete instances such that the testing positions are utilized individually to measure a selected load, determining the weight error displayed by the weighing device at each of the testing positions, summing the distinct measured weight errors into a summed error, and comparing such a summed error to a desired tolerance level, such that weighing devices exhibiting summed errors of excess of the tolerance level may be identified as being in need of corrective measures, including calibration.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a plurality of weighing installations of the kind having a working configuration of at least one working load cell (14) with a fixed side and a load-bearing sides, a support (16) for the fixed side, and a load (12) operatively mounted on the load-bearing side, comprises portable apparatus moveable between installations to be calibrated, and fixed apparatus at each installation. The portable apparatus includes a reference load cell (30) and a fluid ram (32), the fixed apparatus includes anchorage means (22) fast with the working load cell support (16), and the reference cell and the ram are removably connectable between the anchorage means and the load-bearing side of the working load cell to apply calibrating loads to the working load cell in its working configuration. As many rams and reference cells may be provided as there are working load cells for any weighing installation.

Abstract: An electronic balance provided with a self-diagnosis function comprises a connection port for connecting the electronic balance to an external communication terminal. When a self-diagnosis function is performed, the previously stored address in the electronic balance is used to connect the electronic balance over a line to a specific Web site through the external communication terminal connected to the connection port so as to transfer a diagnosis data to the Web site. At the Web site, the diagnosis data is evaluated and the evaluation result containing measures to be taken in response to the diagnosis data is returned. The electronic balance displays contents of the returned data on a display section.

Abstract: A system for check weighing the content of a blister strip which includes a guide adapted to receive a blister strip comprised of at least one blister, a punch aligned with the guide for receiving the at least one blister, an actuator engaged with the punch for driving the punch toward the blister strip, whereby the blister is punched from the blister strip, and a balance adapted to receive the punched blister for weighing the punched blister and generating a weight signal after subtracting a predetermined value representing the weight of an empty blister. An alternative method of determining the content of a blister strip comprises reflecting a beam of energy off of a blister strip and determining the height of the blister from the reflected energy. The measured height is compared to a predetermined height to derive the amount of powder contained therein.

Abstract: A method of controlling the evaporation of liquid in samples in an evaporating centrifuge, by monitoring the centrifugal force exerted on a sample holder containing a liquid sample having solid material dissolved or otherwise mixed therein. The centrifugal force is determined using a load cell, a strain gauge or, where relative movement between sample holder and rotor is permitted albeit with resilient restraint, the centrifugal force signal may be generated by a position sensing transducer. The speed of rotation is sensed by a further transducer and both force and speed signals are conveyed to a computer programmed to generate a process control signal for controlling the evaporation process therefrom. A preferred method of control involves determining the rate of change of weight with time and terminating the evaporation process when the rate of change drops to zero.

Abstract: A method and method for fast weighing of items such as mailpieces with variable accuracy. The method includes a scale method having a platform connected to a load cell that provides an output signal to an analog-to-digital converter. The resulting digital output signal is processed by a low pass filter and analyzed by a microprocessor to determine weights of items on the platform. The microprocessor also determines postage amounts of items on the platform. The microprocessor also determines postage amounts as functions of the weights and outputs these postage amounts to a postage meter. The microprocessor determines the weights as the average of a sequence of digital output signal values if the average id not closer than D to any weight break, where D is the difference between a maximum output value and a minimum output value.

Abstract: The invention comprises a balance (1) with at least one digital weighing cell (2, 3, 4, 5) and an evaluation unit connected to the balance. The digital weighing cell (2, 3, 4, 5) is provided with memory elements (12, 13, 14, 15) in which the weighing cell parameters and the system parameters of the balance (1) or code numbers formed thereof are stored in an unmanipulatable manner by known methods such as audit trail counters, for example. The evaluation device is embodied as a program controlled data processing device (7) and is directly connected to the balance (1) or weighing cells (2, 3, 4, 5) provided therein. The measured data of the digital weighing cells (2, 3, 4, 5) which are calibratable and/or not calibratable are read out by the program-controlled data processing device (7) during each weighing process (7), in addition to the stored weighing cell parameters and system parameters of the balance (1) or the codes formed thereof.

Abstract: The total weight of a plurality of resin products is set as a reference value, and a first upper-limit threshold and a first lower-limit threshold are respectively stored in a control circuit 38 on the upper limit side and the lower limit side with respect to the reference value. A second upper-limit threshold which is yet greater than the first upper-limit threshold and a second lower-limit threshold which is yet smaller than the first lower-limit threshold are stored in the control circuit 38. When the total weight of the resin products is greater than the first upper-limit threshold, a determination is made by the control circuit 38 as to whether or not the total weight of the resin products is yet greater than the second lower-limit threshold. Further, when the total weight of the resin products is less than the first upper-limit threshold, a determination is made by the control circuit 38 as to whether or not the total weight of the resin products is yet less than the second lower-limit threshold.

Abstract: The invention is a device and means that reduces the amount of overloading and under-loading of plastic grocery bags. A bag rack has a scale attached to its base with the scale connected to an indicator. The plastic bag rests on the scale which weighs the contents of the bag as they are being added. The indicator checks the weight of the contents of the bag. If the contents are under the targeted weight an indicator is lit, when the targeted weigh is reached another indicator is lit, and if a “not to exceed weight” is reached a warning indicator is lit.

Abstract: Testing process and apparatus for determining absorption properties of a porous specimen. The porous specimen is brought in a predetermined state of contact with the body of water held by a reservoir, for inducing water absorption in the porous specimen. A weight of the porous specimen is monitored for a predetermined time period once the contact is established to produce weight data over time. The predetermined state of contact is maintained substantially constant during the time period by permanent circulation of water in the reservoir. The absorption properties of the porous specimen are determined as a function of the weight data over time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring the mass of a test specimen located in a microgravity environment. The test specimen is attached to the free end of a cantilevered spring for joint vibration. The natural frequency of vibration of the spring and specimen are measured. The spring constant is calculated and compared with known masses having the same frequency and spring constant. When a match is found, the mass of the test specimen is known.

Abstract: The invention disclosed consists of weighing apparatus and process that includes a new Calibration management utility to automate compliance testing to ISO 9000 requirements and has the “load cell symmetry”, “empty platform” and “test load” readings for each load stored on the weighing apparatus. This weighing apparatus makes periodic tests to determine the health of the load cells in the system, producing a log file to record events such as any detected failure, any suspicious reading, overload condition, or any user defined parameter, and is network enabled to be connected through a LAN via an Ethernet to the Internet.

Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (3) and a balance housing (4). The balance housing (4) contains a weighing cell (15) and forms a rear wall (13) and a floor (8) for the weighing compartment (3). A weighing-load carrier (2) is arranged on a cantilever arm (30) of the weighing cell (15). The cantilever arm (30) also holds a weight-receiving element (6) for calibration weights (7) of a calibration device (5). The weighing-load carrier (2) is releasably attached to a coupling arrangement (11) protruding from the cantilever arm (30) through passage openings (12) in the rear wall (13). The floor (8) extends without openings between the weight-receiving element (6) for the calibration weights (7) and the weighing-load carrier (2).

Abstract: A direct and non-destructive method for measuring recess depth in a semiconductor wafer through use of a solvent, comprising:

Abstract: The multiple load sensing multi-load cell scale is described that provides improved utility to scales with multiple decks that share load cells near supports so that more than one load may be determined at the same time on a single scale. In more detail, the scale uses the sectional sensitivities to load movement on the scale decks, load position and individual normalized load cell outputs to provide separate load magnitude measurements on these individual decks. According to the present invention, more than two load cells associated to form a single scale provide outputs that are converted to individual digital representations of the relative force magnitude on each. These magnitudes are related to the effective location of each load cell to provide the load centroid location on the scale when the sum of the products of the effective location and magnitude of each is divided by the sum of the magnitudes.

Abstract: A weight inspection apparatus (J) has an electronic balance (13), a comparator (62) for comparing the weight of the article measured with a predetermined reference weight and outputting a difference between the measured weight and the reference weight. Thus, a determination is made whether the article has a possibility of being defective if the difference exceeds the predetermined allowance value. An abnormal signal-receivers (61b) receives an abnormal signal outputted from the injection molding press. When the abnormal signal is received, it is determined that the article formed in an injection molding operation performed in an abnormal state have a possibility of being defective.

Abstract: A weighing transducer is secured onto a fixed base. The fixed base is positioned in order to allow the weighing transducer to rest securely over a conveyor belt. An electrically actuated gripper is connected to the weighing transducer allowing the weighing transducer to accurately weigh any item freely suspended from the electrically actuated gripper. The conveyor belt works synchronously with the holding device in order to obtain an accurate weight reading by taking a no load weight reading prior to the weighing of each item to be measured. The conveyor belt delivers an item to be weighed to the electrically actuated gripper which in turn captures the item. When the item is delivered to the electrically actuated gripper, the conveyor belt stops. The item is captured by the electrically actuated gripper and the conveyor belt is lowered to a height sufficient to enable the item to be suspended freely on the electrically actuated gripper.

Abstract: The present automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing system is comprised of an on-board monitoring system for being installed on a heavy truck, and an interrogation system for being installed in enforcement vehicles and inspection stations. The monitoring system is comprised of a processor connected to speed and weigh sensors installed in the truck and trailers. The processor is arranged to monitor various operating parameters of the truck, such as loading, load distribution, speed, driver maintenance information, driving time, and mileage. The processor is also connected to an interface which enables the truck operator to input driver and vehicle information, and a transceiver for communicating with the interrogation system. The interrogation system is comprised of a processor connected to a transceiver, and arranged to interrogate the monitoring system to download data.

Abstract: For avoiding evaporation-related errors in the calibration of a dispenser by weighing liquid units delivered by said dispenser, an absorbent (9) in a weighing vessel (8) is arranged on a weighing pan (2) and binds the liquid units delivered onto said absorbent. To prevent falsifications occurring as a result of liquid being precipitated onto the absorbent (9), the environment of the weighing pan (2) is kept dry by a cylindrical weighing insert (10) put over said weighing pan. Said weighing insert forms a cavity (15) which receives the weighing pan (2) and is accessible from above through a longer channel (16). Both are surrounded by an inner wall (12) made of gas-permeable material, e.g. porous ceramic, through which they interact with a drying agent (18) which fills the intermediate space between the inner wall (12) and an outer wall (11) a distance away from it.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously producing constant weight portions of semi-solid matter, such as bread dough, from a large mass through a dividing mechanism whereby variations in the weight of each portion are minimized by providing a signal proportional to the weight of a dough portion, or group of dough portions in order to automatically adjust the rate at which dough is fed to the dividing mechanism.

Abstract: A load receiver (10) for a balance with arms (11) is designed to support weights of various shapes and sizes (13, 14, 15, 16) by cradling the weights in a depression sloped at a variable slope angle towards the middle of the load receiver. A loading stage (1) arranged to cooperate with the load receiver (10) has one or more weight-placement devices (5) designed so that the load receiver (10) can reach through the weight-placement device (5) without touching the latter. The loading stage (1) and the load receiver (10) are moveable up and down in relation to each other. The weight-placement device (5) is suitably configured to support the different weights (13, 14, 15, 16). The load receiver (10) and loading stage (1) are used in a mass comparator for testing weight standards with a high degree of precision.

Abstract: The integrity of the contents of containers (such as cartons containing arrays of cigarette packets) is ascertained in an apparatus wherein a continuously or intermittently operated conveyor advances successive containers of a series of such containers onto and beyond a weighing device (such as a strain gage) which transmits signals denoting the weights of successive containers to a circuit wherein such signals are compared with a reference signal denoting the weight of a container having satisfactory contents. If the difference between the weight of a freshly weighed container and a desired or required weight exceeds a preselected value, the respective container is expelled from the path for acceptable containers. The reference signal can be updated upon completed weighing of each acceptable container.

Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (3) and a balance housing (4). The balance housing (4) contains a weighing cell (15) and forms a rear wall (13) and a floor (8) for the weighing compartment (3). A weighing-load carrier (2) is arranged on a cantilever arm (30) of the weighing cell (15). The cantilever arm (30) also holds a weight-receiving element (6) for calibration weights (7) of a calibration device (5). The weighing-load carrier (2) is releasably attached to a coupling arrangement (11) protruding from the cantilever arm (30) through passage openings (12) in the rear wall (13). The floor (8) extends without openings between the weight-receiving element (6) for the calibration weights (7) and the weighing-load carrier (2).

Abstract: The total weight of a plurality of resin products is set as a reference value, and a first upper-limit threshold and a first lower-limit threshold are respectively stored in a control circuit 38 on the upper limit side and the lower limit side with respect to the reference value. A second upper-limit threshold which is yet greater than the first upper-limit threshold and a second lower-limit threshold which is yet smaller than the first lower-limit threshold are stored in the control circuit 38. When the total weight of the resin products is greater than the first upper-limit threshold, a determination is made by the control circuit 38 as to whether or not the total weight of the resin products is yet greater than the second lower-limit threshold. Further, when the total weight of the resin products is less than the first upper-limit threshold, a determination is made by the control circuit 38 as to whether or not the total weight of the resin products is yet less than the second lower-limit threshold.

Abstract: A method of determining the thickness of a layer on a substrate where the layer is deposited during a semiconductor manufacturing process. The substrate is weighed a first time. The layer is deposited on the substrate and the substrate is weighed a second time. The thickness of the layer is calculated using the difference between the second weighing and the first weighing.

Abstract: In a calibration rig for a weighing machine and a method of using the calibration rig, the weighing machine having a load cell including a transducer and headwork connected to the load cell, the calibration rig having a calibration load cell including a low capacity transducer with the excitation voltage and signal connections arranged for connection to the headwork and a potentiometer. The fixed terminations of the potentiometer are connected to respective signal connections and the wiper connection of the potentiometer is connected to one excitation supply terminal via a series resistor.

Abstract: An appliance for testing oblong tablets or tablests with a similar form and more especially for weighing, measuring and fracture testing of such tablets in suitable testing stations, the appliance including a feeder for feeding individual oblong tablets to a weighing device having a weighing pan with a floor in the form of a trough inclined in the conveying direction, and being provided with a conveyor underneath the weighing pan on which conveyor the tablets are deposited with their longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the trough and which conveys the tablets with such alignment through the further testing stations, and in which between the point at which the oblong tablets are transferred to the conveyor and the testing stations, a toppling device is arranged, which topples over any oblong tablets standing on their edges so that the tablets fall onto their round sides.

Abstract: A bulk density sampling method and device whereby formed product is flowed through a vertically disposed passage of pre-determined size. The passage is temporarily obstructed to collect and weigh a known volume of product upon which to base a calculation of bulk density and the generation of a control signal for regulating a multi-tasking processor to constantly monitor, control, and display speed, head gap position, temperature, feed rate and target moisture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for weighing moving objects wherein at least two measurements are carried out with respect to each object by means of separate weighing machines (1, 2), whereupon an average value is computed by a calculating unit (5) as the result of the weighing operation. The invention is intended for weighing mobile objects, such as vehicles (10) designed for road or rail-bound traffic, or for in-line weighing operations to weigh products on a conveyor belt.

Abstract: A strain gauge sensor for measuring the unit weight of a moving sliver in a textile machine, comprising a support rigidly mounted on a sliver output end of the textile machine and a trumpet carried by the support for outputting a condensed sliver. At least one strain gauge is carried by the support and responsive to strain imposed on the support by movement of sliver through the trumpet. Electrical circuit is means carried by the support in electrically communicating relation to the strain gauge, and includes a power supply and amplifier carried by the electrical circuit on the support for outputting an excitation voltage and a Wheatstone bridge for receiving the excitation voltage from tile power supply and applying the excitation voltage to the at least one strain gauge, receiving a feedback signal from the strain gauge and outputting a control signal corresponding to the weight of the sliver passing through the trumpet.

Abstract: An off-scale item sensing apparatus and method which uses a light beam around a portion of the periphery of a weigh plate. The system includes a source for producing a light beam, a plurality of mirrors for directing the light beam along a path around a periphery of the weigh plate, a detector for receiving the light beam, and an alarm coupled to the detector for alerting an operator when the item is placed in the path of the light beam.

Abstract: A strain gauge sensor for measuring the unit weight of a moving sliver in a textile machine, comprising a support rigidly mounted on a sliver output end of the textile machine and a trumpet carried by the support for outputting a condensed sliver. At least one strain gauge is carried by the support and responsive to strain imposed on the support by movement of sliver through the trumpet. Electrical circuit is means carried by the support in electrically communicating relation to the strain gauge, and includes a power supply and amplifier carried by the electrical circuit on the support for outputting an excitation voltage and a Wheatstone bridge for receiving the excitation voltage from the power supply and applying the excitation voltage to the at least one strain gauge, receiving a feedback signal from the strain gauge and outputting a control signal corresponding to the weight of the sliver passing through the trumpet.

Abstract: A metering device which includes a storage reservoir 3, a volumetric extror 30 introducing roughly gauged batches of material into an intermediate hopper 4, which empties periodically into a weighing hopper 1. Under the latter, rapid stabilization scales 2 record the weight of the batch contained in the weighing hopper 1. The latter is emptied onto a belt 5 at the end of a time interval proportional to the weight of the batch or of one of the preceding batches.

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 measuring pick-up or load cell shall be made less sensitive against off-center load applications, if necessary. At least it must be made certain that the off-center load sensitivity is within a permissible tolerance range. For this purpose the sensor body (1A, 1', SB) of the detector (1) to which there is applied at least one pick-up element or strain gage (5), is held for each load application in a different fixed position in a mounting (2) in such a way that, spaced from the clamping position a test load can be applied in a direction deviating from the direction and/or position of the axis of symmetry (CA, AS) of the sensor body (1A, 1', SB). The test loads may be uniform or they may differ for one or more load application points. A respective output signal is measured and correlated to the applied test load. At least one additional test load of the same size is applied in a different load application direction, and the respective output signal is again measured and correlated to the second test load.

Abstract: A belt scale calibration system for calibrating a belt scale that is mounted with respect to a conveyor belt. The belt scale calibration system includes a load inducing assembly and a load induced assembly. The load inducing assembly engages the conveyor belt proximate to the belt scale. The load induced assembly is operably connected to the load inducing assembly. Applying a force to the load induced assembly produces a force on the load inducing assembly which the load inducing assembly transmits to the conveyor belt for calibrating the belt scale.

Abstract: There is provided an system and method for calibrating weigh assemblies of bulk material feeders using test chains of known weight and pitch. In particular, the present invention is a calibration checking system for a belt-type gravimetric feeder or conveyor having a weigh span section and comprises a continuous conveyor belt, at least one pair of support rollers and at least one weigh roller. A particular weigh roller is disposed under an upper strand of the conveyor belt and equidistant from each of the support rollers so that they are in planar alignment with one another. The calibration checking assembly also comprises a test chain having a chain pitch that is integrally divisible into the pitch of the weigh span section. In addition, portions of the conveyor belt on both sides of the weigh span are inclined equally at a single particular angle relative to the weigh span section.

Abstract: A calibrating device for a balance including a load receiving unit for loads to be weighed, a load measuring unit and a lever mechanism serving for the force transmission between the load receiving unit and the load measuring unit, wherein the lever mechanism is coupled to the load receiving unit through a coupling area on an input side and to the load measuring unit through a coupling area at an output side, and wherein the lever mechanism further includes an additional coupling area, separate from the coupling areas on the input and output sides, for releasably coupling a calibrating force which is uncoupled during the normal weighing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of medication in a sealed metered dose inhaler dispenser comprises a housing in which a mounting platform is located. An aperture in the housing allows the dispenser to be placed on the platform. Displacement of the platform is correlated with the weight of the dispenser and contents. The weight is displayed as an indication of the amount of medication in the dispenser from full to empty. The platform means may rest on a compression spring, the deflection of the spring being correlated with the applied weight. Tabs associated with the platform align with indicia on the exterior of the housing to indicate the degree of dispenser fill.

Abstract: A patient weighing system includes novel load sensing casters (12) or load lift modules (92) installed on a hospital bed or other patient housing device. The casters and load lift modules each include pneumatic lifts (54, 106). The lifts are operative to load and unload the weight of the device onto a piezoelectric load cells (60; 150, 152). The load cells are electrically connected to control units (14, 98) which include visual displays (16). In operation, the discharge time constants for the load cells are calculated by first raising the weight of the bed off the load cells with the lifts. Thereafter, the load is reapplied to the load cells by exhausting the air from the lifts. The control unit compensates for the short duration and decay of the sensor signals and sums the weights sensed by the load cells to determine a total weight.

Abstract: An electronic balance with a balance scale (3) which is movably connected by a parallel guide consisting of an upper (4) and a lower guide rod (5) in a vertical direction to a system carrier (1) fixed to the housing, with at least two wire strain gauges (15) which are arranged in the vicinity of the ends of a guide rod (4), which ends are on the housing side, and which wire strain gauges measure the horizontal forces in the guide rod (4) which are caused by the torque transferred from the balance scale (3) onto the parallel guide, and with electronics which corrects the weight value emitted from the weighing receiver on the basis of the output signals of the wire strain gauges (15) and from stored comer-load correction factors that at least one of the guide rods (4) is supported on its housing-side end on an intermediate piece (18), that this intermediate piece (18) is connected by at least one approximately vertical thin web (13) and by a horizontal thin web (14) to the system carrier (1) fixed to the housin

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of a molded resin article in conjunction with an injection molding cycle and judging whether the molded article is acceptable or rejective. A belt conveyor is provided below a mold for injection molding. Articles (connector housings) molded with the mold are dropped out of the mold onto the belt conveyor when the mold is opened, and transported to a weight checker by means of the belt conveyor. In the weight checker, the weight of the transported articles is measured. The measured weight is compared with a predetermined reference weight. If the measured weight is within a predetermined permissible range with respect to the reference weight, it is judged that the molded articles are acceptable, and then the molded articles are dropped into an acceptance box.

Abstract: A source reduction analysis process of integrating scales to minimize chemical product usage. Based on residuals identified by weight measurements, an economic decision is made to reinstate for consumption, recycling or disposal of the product residual.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow rate measuring apparatus measures and calculates a flow rate of granules based on a measurement of capacitance which changes according to the quantity of the granules flowing at a granule passage. The measuring apparatus includes a granule flow pipe which is coupled to the granule passage and is provided in the course of the granule passage, a capacitance detector provided to the granule flow pipe, shutters respectively provided at an upper end and a lower end of the granule flow pipe, for cutting off the flow of granules, the shutters being individually operable, and a load cell type weight detector independently supporting the granule flow pipe. The shutters, the load cell type weight detector, and the capacitance detector are connected to a calculation control device. The measuring apparatus provides a flow rate which is not influenced by the moisture content or the density of the granules.

Abstract: A method of compensating for load/environment temperature differential-induced measured load weight error comprises the steps of: providing a load having a load temperature T.sub.L ; providing an environment having an environment temperature T.sub.E, different from the load temperature; subjecting the load to the environment at time t.sub.0 ; measuring the weight w.sub.0 of the load at time t.sub.0 ; measuring the weight w.sub.1 of the load at time t.sub.1 ; and calculating the change in weight .DELTA.w.sub.td of the load, between the time t.sub.0 at which the load is subjected to the environment and the time t.sub.2 at which the load and environment temperatures reach equilibrium, induced by the temperature differential between the load and the environment, from the measured load weights w.sub.0 and w.sub.1. The method further comprises the steps of: measuring the weight w.sub.n of the load at time t.sub.n .gtoreq.t.sub.2 ; and subtracting the temperature differential-induced load weight change .DELTA.w.sub.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for in-line capsule check weighing envisages that the capsules to be weighed be fed to a device which separates them and feeds them over a transfer surface. The capsules are positioned over the transfer surface so that their longitudinal axes are horizontal and transversal to the direction of feed and are fed to the checkweigher pans, which have seats in the transfer surface and are attached to checkweigher transducers. The weight reading for the capsules and of the relative pans is obtained at the moment in which the capsules come to rest on the pans. Finally, the weight of the pans is determined after the capsules have been moved away, so that the net weight of the capsules may be calculated.

Abstract: In order, in a weighing device, in particular for use in high-resolution scales, comprising an elastically deformable force transducer, a sensor arrangement for converting the deformation of the force transducer caused on account of a force F acting on the force input section of the force transducer into an electrical weighing signal and a processing unit for calculating a weighing signal corrected by the hysteresis error of the force transducer, to be able to realize a correction of the hysteresis error even with the short-term load variations occurring in practice in high-resolution scales at an acceptable cost, it is suggested that the sensor arrangement comprise a first testing unit for the high-resolution determination of the weighing signal "S" and a second testing unit for the determination of the elastic deformation of the force transducer in small time increments (high time resolution), wherein the processing unit corrects the high-resolution weighing signal of the first testing unit by the hysteresi

Abstract: An on-board weighing system employs a master unit, and one or more remote units to which weight sensors are connected. Calibration information for each weight sensor is stored in the remote unit to which it is connected. Analog weight related signals generated by the weight sensors also are converted by the remote units to digital sensor values. The remote units are connectable by a communications network with the master unit such that the master unit can read the digital sensor value and calibration information of each weight sensor for processing to yield vehicle weight. The on-board weighing system facilitates trailer swapping by automatically recording and tracking calibration information for the weight sensors in the remote units which together are mounted on the trailers that are swapped.

Abstract: In an improved postage scale system, soft-selection keys are used for selecting options including shipping service options provided by the system. The display on such a system is adjustable for comfortable viewing thereof. The system is capable of interfacing and communicating with other devices such as a printer, a remote computer, an optical scanner, an integrated circuit (IC) card, etc. Certain data and code for use in the system can be updated by downloading new data and code from IC cards to the system. A security measure is instituted such that, after an update of the data or code, a system user is required to enter a valid authorization number in order to enable the system. Such a measure is, in part, necessary for deterring unauthorized copying of software of the system onto another similar system.