Abstract: The digital force sensor (1) includes a measuring cell (2) which is able to be deformed elastically, the deformation of said cell (2) directly resulting from the force with which a robot arm approaches a discrete electronic component (11) in a magazine, then mounts it onto a printed circuit, and digital means (3) for measuring a displacement representative of the deformation of said cell (2), then supplying in response to said displacement a digital signal corresponding to the direct measurement of the force with which the robot arm approaches, then mounts the electronic component onto the printed circuit.

Abstract: A microprocessor (8) controlled power-saving electronic measuring system is disclosed. A load cell (1) generates an output signal indicative of the magnitude of the load applied to the cell (1). A DC power supply (2) is switched to supply the load cell (1) with power pulses (10) at varying frequencies and duty cycles determinable by the microprocessor (8) to optimize battery life. The microprocessor (8) determines the optimal duty cycle and frequency for the power pulses responsive to desired parameters. The circuitry of the present invention is located in close proximity to a temperature sensor (34) which accurately reads the temperatures of all of the components and compensates for all heat related inaccuracies simultaneously. The microprocessor (8) determines a temperature corrected value for the load cell (1) output via a previously programmed table containing the temperature response characteristics for the load cell (1) and the circuitry.

Abstract: An electronic balance with a digital display for the exact display of the weighing result, with an quasi analog display for the estimated display of the balance (gross) load, whereby the a quasi analog display consists of at least one horizontal band of activatable points (7), and with a taring operation, that suitable activatable segments (8, 10) be located within, directly above or directly below the first horizontal band of activatable points (7) with which such suitable segments a "T" symbol (9) can be activated at a plurality of positions along the first horizontal band and that the "T: symbol be activated during taring at the horizontal position which corresponds to said tare weight on the horizontal band (7) of the quasi analog display while a horizontal bar formed by suitable activation of activatable points indicates gross weight. This makes it possible to display in a simple manner the relative position at which taring was performed.

Abstract: Solar cells (5) for the supply of electric energy are located in an electronic balance in a manner suitable for the requirements of the balance and storage means for storing the electric current generated by the solar cells (5) are present. The solar cells (5) are located, for example, in a folding cover (7) which protects the balance when it is not in use and which is folded up at the start of operation. In addition, a display (9) for the state of charge of the storage means (76) is present.

Abstract: A weigh scale having a unique display is provided which allows rapid, accurate, and convenient determination of the weight of an object to the nearest discrete fractional portion of a weight unit. The preferred weight unit includes a digital display for the object in whole ounces and four light-emitting indicators, one of which illuminates to indicate the object's fractional weight to the nearest quarter-ounce.

Abstract: An analog/digital converter has an integrator for integrating for a predetermined time a difference voltage (<VX) between a voltage equal to half a source voltage V1 and an input voltage VX supplied to the first input terminal after an initialization period, generating an output voltage increasing in proportion to the input voltage, and generating an output voltage decreasing at a predetermined rate after the predetermined time has elapsed, and a counter for generating count data until the output voltage from the integrator reaches a predetermined level. This converter also has a resistor-type voltage divider and a capacitor. The voltage divider is coupled between source terminals and generating from first and second output terminals first and second output voltages E1 and E2 which are lower than voltage V1/2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the zero point of a weighing machine includes producing, in the form of a digital value, an initial zero-point correction value when the weighing machine is free of a load. The difference value between an unloaded weight value, which is produced by the unloaded weighing machine, and a value obtained by converting the digital value into an analog value, is calculated. The difference value is compared with a preset value, and digital values are sequentially converted in accordance with the result of the comparison operation to render the difference value equal, or nearly equal, to the preset value.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electronic balance comprising a measured value receiver (23) and an electronic evaluation unit (14) having a digital display (10) and an analog display (6), whereby both displays are controlled by the electronic evaluation unit (14). A digital input keyboard (12) is used for inputting the set weight value of a loading. The electronic evaluation unit (14) contains a memory (15) and an arithmetic unit (16) which permit the values indicated in the digital display (10) and in the analog display (6) to be differentiated against each other by the amount stored in the memory (15) so that during a loading procedure the digital display (10) runs from the negative set weight value to 0g and the analog display (6) from 0% to 100%. The analog display (6) consists of adjacent bars (7) which can be shited in their lightness, whereby the length of the individual bars continuously decreases from 0% to 100% of the set weight value, and continuously increases again over 100% of the set weight value.

Abstract: A weighing system, including a plurality of conveyer-type continuous weighing machines each having an analog weighing unit and a digital measurement processing unit, and a single common analog-to-digital convertor operated in time division fashion.

Abstract: When a measuring instrument normally displaying digital values by selective energization of a multi-segment display is used to furnish only qualitative information as to the relationship of the measured value to a reference value or values, the result is indicated only by the position on the display of a horizontal line. Since the change in position is limited by the position of the top and bottom segments constituting the digital display, the read-out of these conventional scales is difficult, particularly when carried out from different angles. To eliminate this problem, a reference mark or marks are supplied. The position of the weight dependent marks relative to the reference mark is clear, eliminating read-out errors. The reference mark may be a permanent mark on a transparent sheet mounted in front of the display. Alternatively, the reference marks can be created by activation of segments in places of the display not required for generating the weight dependent marks.

Abstract: A display device for use in association with an electronic balance, the display device comprising a first display section for digital representation of the values measured from the loads applied to the scale pan of the balance, and a second display section for analog representation of selected digits in the digital representation except for the one in the highest significant position.

Abstract: A span adjustment method includes applying a known load to a weighing machine and converting an output value from the weighing machine into a digital value by using an analog-to-digital converter. The characteristic of the analog-to-digital converter is sequentially varied automatically by a span adjustment value, which is produced as an output by a control unit, so that the digital value resulting from the analog-to-digital conversion becomes a digital value set in the control unit and conforming to the known load.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention comprises a fluent material-receiving chamber, and a frame from which the chamber is pendently supported. A load cell suspends the chamber from the frame, and transmits milli-volt signals to an electronic control and display assembly where the signals translate to display indicia representative of weights of fluent material received by the chamber. The assembly, in response to the signals, displays the achievement of a threshold of a fluent material reception level, which is selective and predetermined, to halt further admittance of fluent material into the chamber, and displays an actual fluent material reception level, by the weight of the material. Flexure stabilizers are intercoupled between the chamber and the frame, to inhibit any displacement of the chamber from its vertical, pendent suspension. The method of the invention sets forth the procedural steps, in weighing fluent material, capable of practice by the inventive apparatus.

Abstract: In a system for displaying the net distance travelled by a magnetic recording tape, the tape includes a recorded track having a periodic flux pattern. During each period, the flux pattern includes an asymmetrical pulse characterized by a flux increase during a first length of tape and a flux decrease of the same magnitude during a second and different length of tape. A single flux responsive head detects the pulses when the tape is moved and a differentiating circuit provides a pulse signal whose sense is related to the directions of travel of the tape. The pulse signal is coupled to an up-down counter which drives a display. The display indicates the net distance travelled by the tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and collecting plasma from whole blood includes a volume monitoring system which provides a continuous display of the volume of plasma collected. A transducer circuit within the system develops an electrical signal frequency-dependent on the weight of the collected plasma. The frequency of this signal over a present measurement interval is periodically compared with the frequency of the signal over a preceding measurement interval to develop a difference signal. If the difference is determined to be positive and less than a predetermined maximum collection rate so as to constitute a valid collection increment, the difference is cumulatively added to previous collection increments in a cumulative display counter to provide a collected volume display, and the frequency of the present measurement interval is taken as a frequency of the preceding measurement interval for the next comparison.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the load carried by a vehicle includes a plurality of load cells, each extending between the load bed and the unsprung portion of the vehicle suspension. Each load cell includes an hydraulic cylinder which generates an hydraulic force corresponding to the load applied thereto. A pressure transducer is connected to the hydraulic cylinder, and the outputs of the transducers are summed and fed to an auto zeroing system. The output of this system is connected to an A/D converter, and thence to a visual display. The A/D converter output is also fed to a digital comparator which is connected to a BCD switch set to an overload level. If the load exceeds the BCD input, an overload alarm is sounded.

Abstract: A zero tracking circuit (32) monitors the output of an electronic scale employing a dual slope integrating type analog-to-digital converter (20) to detect low magnitude output signal levels characteristic of drift and other low level noise. The converter (20) samples the magnitude of an input analog signal proportional to applied weight and in response controls a count accumulated in a resettable up/down counter (36). The counter (36) is manually reset to provide tare, that is, to provide a zero reading with an applied weight. The output of the counter (36) is supplied to a digital display (40a-40d) that displays changes in applied weight. The zero tracking circuit (32) includes a decoder (56) that monitors the output of the counter (36) and in response to low magnitude counts characteristic of drift, e.g., one count on each side of zero, resets the counter (36) to eliminate the drift.

Abstract: A loader includes a lift arm assembly, raised by hydraulic lift cylinders and carrying a load bucket. Alignment members mounted respectively on the loader frame and lift arm assembly, and visible to the loader operator, identify the weigh position of the lift arm assembly. A pressure to voltage transducer is mounted on one lift cylinder, and is connected in a bridge circuit producing a DC voltage output. The bridge circuit output signal, proportional to the bucket load, is fed to an amplifier, whose output is passed to an analog-to-frequency converter producing pulses at a frequency proportional to the bucket load. An electronic clock allows the converter output pulses to pass through an AND gate to a bucket counter which displays the bucket load, and is automatically reset to zero. The converter pulses are passed to an accumulator counter through a second AND gate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a weight measuring balance especially adapted for the proportioning of a liquid product mixture from cumulative formulas expressed in weight.The balance comprises a pan borne by a centrally fixed stress gauge captor, mounted upon a fixed frame and which furnishes a signal representative of the load's weight, whatever may be the position of the load on the pan, to a measuring device carrying out the display of the weight thus detected on a first display device.The invention is especially applied to the formulations of paints used in automobile body shops from cumulative formulas expressed in weight.

Abstract: An electronic balance includes a weighing means for producing digital output signals as a measured value in response to a force induced upon a tray, a first memory for storing the mass of a reference weight, a discriminator for signalizing the existence and non-existence of an object on the tray, a second memory for storing a corrected value obtained by differentiating between a measured value of the reference weight and the mass stored in the first memory when the discriminator signalizes that no object is placed on the tray, an arithmetic unit for correcting a measured value signalized by the weighing means in accordance with the corrected value stored in the second memory when the discriminator signalizes that an object exists on the tray, and an output unit for permitting of visual inspection of the arithmetic results obtained by the arithmetic unit.

Abstract: A digital scale and circuitry therefor, includes a power supply electrically connected to a control logic circuitry and a bridge supply circuitry. The bridge supply circuitry is electrically attached to a strain gage bridge which is electrically connected to an amplifier circuitry. The amplifier circuitry electronically engages an AD converter which electrically connects to a logic circuit and the control logic circuitry. The logic circuit and the control logic circuitry are electrically interconnected and each electrically attach to a display driver circuitry for displaying digits on a digital screen.

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: A bathroom scale which uses an electronic circuit for providing a digital output voltage in response to the placing of a weight thereon, the electronic circuit having operational amplifier circuits which use both a positive power supply and a negative power supply, the latter assuring that the op-amps always return to a stabilized ground reference point to assure repeatability of weight measurement. The unit includes means for permitting the digital output voltage to reach a steady state value during a selected time period after a weight is placed on the scale and for preventing such steady state value from changing after such selected time period. The gain of the op-amp circuitry is adjustable to permit scale calibration to be performed.

Abstract: A circuit for electronic weighing scales, for example, for shifting or switching the circuit between two states and at the same time for de-chattering mechanical contacts, wherein the circuit includes two inverted gates with crossed feedback constituting a flip-flop. A first resistor is connected in the feedback from the output of the second gate to the input of the first gate, and a condenser has one electrode connected to constant potential and another electrode connected to the output of the first gate. A second resistor of high impedance is connected between the condenser and the output of the first gate, and an operating contact is arranged between the second electrode of the condenser and the input of the first gate.

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 piezoelectric element is arranged to receive a mechanical pressure signal and to generate a resultant voltage which is connected to a voltage threshold device for detecting a voltage signal above a predetermined threshold value. The threshold device comprises a two state circuit operable to change state in response to a signal above the voltage threshold. The apparatus is especially adapted to be incorporated within a platform scale for energizing a scale reading indicating system.

Abstract: In a scale having a digital display, the available weight range, that is the difference between the maximum allowable weight on the scale and the then-present weight on the scale, is displayed in response to activation of the tare key. The available weight range number may be displayed for a predetermined time interval or it may be displayed while the tare key is depressed, release of the tare key causing the normal display of net weight to resume.

Abstract: One or more computational parameters in a digital weighing scale can be varied by the user of the scale. The normal digital display of the scale is used to successively display a plurality of messages indicating the parameters or parameter values selectable by the user, and the user selects the desired parameter or parameter value by operating one of the normal scale controls during display of the message indicating the desired parameter or the desired parameter value.

Abstract: A postage calculator system and method comprising means for introducing postal information to the system; a memory means for obtaining weight information of the article to be mailed; a memory means for storing information indicative of special fee categories; and means for generating a postage value for the article from the postal information, the weight information and the special fee information. The system selects postal information indicative of the carrier type, class and destination of an article to be mailed, obtains weight information for the article, selects special fee information indicative of at least one of the following special fee categories for use with the article: registered mail, special delivery, return receipt, certified mail, insurance and C.O.D. The system then generates a postage value for the article.

Abstract: An electronic digital readout diet scale for measuring and displaying weight information. A microcomputer is used to enable a dieter to enter a diet program having an objective weight and a given time interval. The scale will indicate the amount of weight to be lost or gained in order to achieve the objective weight as well as the deviation between the current weight and the projected weight according to the diet program.

Abstract: A stabilization of the zero point of a digital display in a periodically operating weighing scale is accomplished by obtaining the difference between the then-present weight signal S and a stored reference signal, for example the tare value. Resulting differences less than a predetermined threshold value are stored. If the next following difference signal is again smaller than the threshold value and has the same sign, the reference value is corrected by the stored difference. If the signs are different, the tare or reference value remains the same and the value of the stored difference signal is changed to the newly-generated value.

Abstract: To achieve an automatic stabilization of the zero point in a scale having a digital display, any difference between the load proportional signal and the stored reference signal (for example, the tare value) is compared to a threshold value. Differences which are less than the threshold value are halved in a divider. The halved difference signal is then used when the next subsequent one of the load proportional signal is compared to the reference signal, preferably by algebraic addition of the halved difference signal to the reference signal.

Abstract: When the difference between the weight proportional signal and the tare value is less than a predetermined threshold value, it is assumed that the zero point is changing. Main difference signals less than the threshold signal are stored and subsequently generated ones algebraically added to the first one. The so-created cumulative difference signal is compared to a predetermined limiting value. When it exceeds the limiting value the cumulative difference signal is divided by the number of differences which together created the cumulative difference signal. The so-formed average difference signal is added to the tare value prior to generation of the next main difference signal.

Abstract: A weighing scale with an electrical output includes a mechanical-to-electrical signal transducer which has a zero weight signal value which may vary in response to ambient conditions. The scale includes a fast acting switch operable to provide a switching function in response to the initiation of the placement of a weight upon the scale and a weight registering circuit operable in response to the switching function to register and store a zero weight signal before the signal transducer begins sensing the weight. The weight registering circuit is then operable to register the difference between the zero weight signal value and the ultimate signal from the transducer as the true weight.

Abstract: A circuit for determining each level transition of first and second two logic level input signals and their leading or lagging phase relationship at each level transition and comprising first and second signal level storage means each having first input means responsive to the first and second input signals, respectively, first output means, and clock input means and responsive to a clock signal supplied to the clock input means to cause the logic level on its output means to become equal to the logic level on its first input means. First and second Exclusive OR gates each have a first input means connected respectively to said first input means of said first and second signal level storage means, and a second input means connected respectively to said first output means of said first and second signal level storage means.

Abstract: An electronic weighing apparatus comprises a slit plate provided to be displaceable in association with the weight of an article being placed on a weighing pan. A photosensitive device is provided in the vicinity of the split plate for generating a train of pulses responsive to the slits in association with the displacement of the slit plate. The slits are provided on the slit plate such that the pulses are obtained from the photosensitive device only if and when the amount of displacement exceeds that corresponding to a predetermined weight value. The slit plate is further provided with a magnetic shield plate at the position before the photosensitive device detects the slits for the first time when the slit plate is displaced by virtue of an article.

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: Process and apparatus for weighing material being collected. In the illustrative embodiment, plasma that has been separated from whole blood is collected. The tare weight is sensed and the weight of the material being collected is sensed. Pulses are provided in frequency proportion to the sensed weight. The tare weight pulses are counted and stored. A net weight counter is set with a predetermined count corresponding to the maximum amount of plasma to be collected. A measure weight signal reverses the tare weight count with the net weight counter being inhibited until the tare weight count reversal has been completed. Once the tare weight count reversal is completed, the net weight counter is operative to count the sensed weight pulses. A completion signal is provided when the predetermined count has been decremented to zero.

Abstract: An electronic weighing apparatus comprises a load cell which provides an analog voltage associated with the weight of an article being placed on the apparatus. The analog voltage is converted into digital data responsive to each timing pulse by means of an analog/digital converter. The digital data is loaded in a digital display buffer responsive to each timing pulse and is then displayed in a digital manner by a display. On the other hand, a stable state detecting circuit compares the current digital data obtained from the analog/digital converter with the preceding digital data and determines the weighed value having reached a stable state upon coincidence of both the current and preceding pieces of the data. The timing pulse and thus the digital data is prevented from being loaded in the display buffer responsive to the output from the stable state detecting circuit, whereby the display buffer continues to maintain the digital data at the time point when the stable state is reached.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrically price-calculating balance, in particular a balance for a shop's counter, comprising an indicator part and a weighing part each constructed as a separate unit. The indicator part has an upper surface which is constructed as a support surface for the weighing part and the weighing part is mountable on the indicator part.

Abstract: A price calculating balance which includes in addition to circuitry for storing the measured weight of a product and unit price and multiplying the weight by the unit price, circuitry for storing an aimed or desired price and dividing it by the unit price to determine the weight of the product which would correspond to the aimed price at the stored unit price.

Abstract: In a scale wherein the signal signifying the weight is generated by counting of clock pulses over a weight-dependent part of a predetermined time interval, a second counter counts clock pulses in the remaining part of the predetermined time interval. These are added to the clock pulses counted during the weight-dependent part of the predetermined time interval and compared to a reference number which represents the total number of clock pulses in the predetermined time interval. An error signal is furnished if the two numbers do not correspond.

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: In a display holding device for an electronic digital display type scale, when a part of a first load applied to the weighing section is removed therefrom, a hold signal is automatically outputted so that the data representative of the weight, price, etc., of the first load, which have been displayed by the data display sections before the removal of the part of the first load, are maintained displayed for a predetermined period of time, and displaying the data is released automatically, or when a predetermined key is operated, or when a second load is nextly applied to the weighing section.

Abstract: A weighing machine wherein a mechanical change corresponding to weight of a body to be measured is taken out as an electric signal thereby to provide digital indication of the weight comprises a base body, a metering spring, a load supporting link associated with the metering spring and movable to displace the metering spring in response to the weight, a fixed electrode plate consisting of an electrically conductive flat plate secured to the base body, a movable electrode plate interlocked with the load supporting link and consisting of an electrically conductive flat plate intended to provide capacitance between the fixed and movable electrode plates and a digital indication and processing circuit for detecting change in the capacitance to provide digital indication of the weight.

Abstract: A weight-measuring and display device includes a rigid structural housing for supporting a load positioned thereon and a strain-sensing and weight-displaying circuit located within the structural housing. The rigid structural housing includes a top plate on which the user stands or the load is placed, a bottom plate and three deflection beams horizontally arranged between the top and bottom plates. Mounted to the top of each deflection beam is a strain gauge and mounted to the bottom of each deflection beam is another strain gauge. The group of three top mounted strain gauges accounts for the resistance in one arm of a wheatstone bridge and the group of three bottom mounted strain gauges accounts for the resistance in a second, adjacent arm of the wheatstone bridge. In addition to the wheatstone bridge, the strain-sensing and weight-displaying circuit further includes an amplifier portion, an analog to digital converter, a BCD to seven-segment decoder and three, seven-segment LED readouts.

Abstract: Scale with a computing device and a digital display, in particular for commercial applications, said scale having logical and computing means for selection of one measuring range out of at least two measuring ranges in function of the weight of the goods on its platform, the smallest display units of each range being at least in a ratio 1:2, and further logical and computing means for selection in function of the weight of the higest load that may be displayed.

Abstract: A weight switching mechanism for a substitution type analytical balance is provided which permits the automatic selection and lifting of the required substitution weights from the gimbal assembly of a balance beam to allow accurate weighing of an unknown mass. A capacitive/electromagnetic feedback device is provided for sensing changes in the relative balance of the beam with respect to the applied unknown mass. The resultant current is applied to a force coil which maintains the beam in null position. A current related signal is converted to a digital input signal which is applied to a memory and control circuit and electronically displayed. A series of electromagnets, mounted below a printed circuit board and positioned to correspond with each substitution weight, is provided. The printed circuit board is arranged to lift upon release of the balance beam.

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: In an electrical scale, the weight of the load when the scale is in equilibrium is represented by counting pulses summed up over predetermined time intervals. The sum is displayed digitally. For such a scale, a control apparatus is furnished which automatically decreases the predetermined time intervals and also the number of digits in the display in response to a signal indicating that the scale is operating in a transient condition.