Abstract: A differential measurement circuit (1) is implemented in a balance with electromagnetic force compensation. The circuit receives input from two photo currents (I1, I2) generated by photodiodes (D1, D2) and generates an output signal proportional to their difference. A switch (SW) controls the flow of current through a node (K?) to which the two photo currents are directed, by flipping between two states (zt1, zt2) within two phases (t1, t2) of a time period T. The switch is controlled so a reference current (IRef) from a voltage or current source (URef) is superimposed alternatingly within the time phases on one of the two photo currents which continuously flow into the node. The node lies at the input of an integrator (INT) whose integrator signal (sINT) can be compared in a comparator (CMP) to a cyclically recurring ramp signal (sRAMP) which conforms to the time period.

Abstract: ISFET measuring probe with a housing in which an ISFET and a reference electrode are arranged in such a way that the gate electrode of the ISFET, which is coated with an ion-sensitive layer, and the reference electrode reach into a measurement space into which a measurement medium can be introduced, with the distinguishing feature that an auxiliary electrode is arranged additionally inside the housing and is held inside the measurement space.

Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing pan (3) that is held in a predetermined free-floating and constant position relative to translatory and rotary displacements in the six degrees of freedom during use. At least six position sensors are used to measure the position of the weighing pan in all three dimensions. A weighing mechanism having at least six electromagnetic mechanisms (5) generate compensation forces (Fc1-Fc6) that act on the weighing pan by sending currents through a force coil (7) associated with an associated permanent magnet. The weight of an object on the weighing pan is determined from the amounts of current flowing in the respective force coils to maintain the weighing pan in position.

Abstract: A parallel-guiding mechanism in accordance with the present invention comprises a load-receiving portion for receiving a load of a to be weighed object; a fixing portion including an end portion, an extending portion extending forwardly from the end portion and mounting portions extending forwardly from the extending portion, and parallel-guiding members connecting the load-receiving portion to the fixing portion. The mounting portions include a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. A receiving space is formed between the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion and the extending portion for receiving at least a portion of the load-receiving portion. A containing space for receiving the extending portion is formed between the parallel-guiding members, the load-receiving portion and the end portion. The parallel-guiding members include an upper parallel-guiding member and a lower parallel-guiding member.

Abstract: A gravimetric measuring instrument (10) includes a housing (103) and a weighing cell (120), wherein the latter is arranged inside the housing and includes a load-transmitting member (108). The load-transmitting member reaches through a passage opening (111) of the housing and is releasably connectable to a load receiver (401, 501, 1001). The invention has the distinguishing feature that the load receiver includes a fastening element (450), a weighing pan element (440, 540, 1040) and a snap-locking device (460, 1060) for the releasable seating of the weighing pan element on the fastening element, wherein the snap-locking device includes a detent element (461, 1061) and a spring element (462) which engages the detent element when the weighing pan element is seated in place.

Abstract: A force exerted by a load is determined in a force-measuring device (1) operating under electromagnetic force compensation. The device includes a measurement transducer (18, 118) with a coil (20, 120) movably immersed in a magnet system (19, 119) and a force-transmitting mechanical connection between a load-receiving part (12, 112) and the coil or magnet system. A position sensor (21, 28), also part of the device, determines a displacement of the coil from its settling position relative to the magnet system (19, 119) which occurs when the load is placed on the load-receiving part. An electrical current (24) flowing through the coil generates an electromagnetic force between the coil and the magnet system whereby the coil and the load-receiving part are returned to, and/or held at, the settling position. The magnitude of current and the amount of displacement are used to determine the weight force exerted by the load.

Abstract: A balance (30) is a single unit with a weighing pan (21) enclosed in a weighing compartment (22). A housing (23) adjoins the weighing compartment. The balance housing contains a weighing cell compartment (24) enclosing a weighing cell, an electronics compartment (25) containing electrical and electronic circuit elements, a thermoelectric heat pump module (27) and a heat flow controller (28). The balance is equipped to determine a net heat flow (Pnet) inside the housing in the direction from the weighing cell compartment to the electronics compartment. The heat flow controller uses the net heat flow as a control input to regulate the the thermoelectric heat pump module, arranged inside the housing. The control input is used to generate an active heat flow (PA) with magnitude and direction for holding the net heat flow at a level equal to the rate of heat dissipation produced inside the weighing cell compartment.

Abstract: A weighing device (101) has a weighing unit (102), a control unit and at least one application unit (110). The application unit is positioned within a secondary unit (104) that also has a receiving unit. The control unit has a unit for transmitting data. The weighing unit comprises load receivers (106) and a power transmitting unit. The secondary unit is placed on the load receivers, leaving a gap between the top side of the weighing unit and the bottom side of the secondary unit. The weighing unit transmits a power signal from the power transmitting unit to the receiving unit of the secondary unit through the gap and a control signal is transmitted from the data transmitting unit to the receiving unit of the secondary unit through the gap. The secondary unit, and in turn the application unit, is powered and controlled in a contactless manner.

Abstract: A force-measuring device (1) with a parallelogram linkage has a measurement transducer coupled to it. A coil (25) of the transducer has guided mobility in a magnet system (27) and can carry an electric current (24). A position sensor (21) detects the deflection of the coil (25) from a balanced position relative to the magnet system when a load is placed on the force-measuring device. The electric current (24) flowing through the coil (25), by way of the interaction between the coil and the magnet system, returns the coil and the movable parallel leg to the balanced position. A system-characterizing means (29) is established in a processor unit (26). The system-characterizing means and an unchangeable system reference means (30) are compared to determine the functionality of the device. The functionality is verified by the magnitudes of the electric current and the deflection of the coil from its balanced position.

Abstract: The force-transmitting mechanism (400) includes a parallel-motion guide mechanism with a movable parallel leg (440), a stationary parallel leg, and at least two parallel-guiding members (450), wherein the parallel legs and the parallel-guiding members are connected to each other by flexure pivots and the movable parallel leg is constrained to the stationary parallel leg in guided mobility by the parallel-guiding members. The force-transmitting mechanism further includes a force-transmitting lever (480) which is pivotally supported on a fulcrum pivot (490) arranged on the stationary parallel leg, with a first lever arm (481) having a force-transmitting connection to the movable parallel leg by way of a coupling member (470), and a second lever arm (482) to which a measurement transducer (410) can be attached through a force-transmitting connection.

Abstract: A gas sensor which works according to the principle of thermal conductivity is functionally tested. In the method, a calibration cycle is conducted in which a membrane of the gas sensor is immersed in a fluid calibration medium having a known concentration of a target gas. After the calibration cycle, a measurement chamber of the gas sensor is purged with a purging gas. Then, a measuring cycle is conducted, using a thermal conductivity sensor to measure the target gas in the measurement chamber. Using a calibration baseline established from the calibration cycle and a measurement baseline in the measurement cycle, a baseline comparison value is obtained and compared to a predetermined baseline threshold value. An error message, indicating a malfunction in the purging gas supply, is generated when the baseline comparison value exceeds the predetermined baseline threshold value.

Abstract: A thermoanalytical sensor has a substrate, a measurement position, a temperature sensor unit, and an electrical contact pad. The temperature sensor unit senses the temperature at the measurement position. It is connected via the electrical contact pad to a metallic wire and thereby tied into an electronic circuit. The substrate is prepared with at least one measurement position, at least one temperature sensor unit and at least one electrical contact pad on a top side of the substrate. A passage in the substrate allows connection to the electrical contact pad. A metallic wire is inserted into the passage from the bottom side of the substrate and melted into a small ball on the upper end of the wire. A materially integral connection as a bonded joint between the upper end of the metallic wire and the electrical contact pad is made by applying pressure and heat to the metal ball.

Abstract: The dimensions of an object are measured as it is transported by a forklift within an area of measurement. A first scanner is on a first side of the area of measurement; a second scanner is on an opposite second side and across the first scanner. The first and second scanners provide a dual-head scanner arrangement to capture dimensions of the object. A third scanner is on the first side of the area of measurement, parallel to the first scanner. The first and third scanners are configured to capture speed and direction of the object. Each scanner has a processor to operate it. The first and second scanners are synchronized, and operation of the first and third scanners is correlated. Placement of the first and second scanners establishes a width of the area of measurement and the first and third scanners establish a length thereof.

Abstract: A spectrograph as disclosed includes a housing, wherein a wall of the housing includes first, second and third openings, an entrance slit located at the first opening and configured to direct light along a first light path portion in the interior of the housing, a dispersive element located at the second opening and configured to receive light from the entrance slit along the first light path portion and direct light along a second light path portion in the interior of the housing, a detector located at the third opening and configured to receive light from the dispersive element along the second light path portion. The detector can include first and second groups of light-sensitive regions. A cover can be positioned to separate the first group of light-sensitive regions from the light path, the second group of light-sensitive regions being exposed to the light path.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor, used with a measuring medium, has a sensor head (1), a sensor chip (6, 606) with a sensitive region (632), a sensor body (2) with an end piece (3, 503), a sealing means (10, 510, 610) and a pressing element (18, 618). The sensor body is connected to the sensor head. The end piece is hollow with a closed end region and a measuring opening (4, 504) that allows the measuring medium to contact the sensitive region, which is inside the end piece during operation. The sealing means surrounds the measuring opening, other than the sensitive region, and seals the inside of the end piece from the measuring medium during operation. The pressing element biases the sensor chip against the sealing means and the edge of the measuring opening. The end piece has an integral, gap-free design in the region that contacts the measuring medium during operation.