Abstract: System and method for providing a stable digital display of a value which fluctuates such as the input signal produced by a moving load on an electronic weighing scale. Digital readings are integrated over time, and the variations in the digital readings become insignificant compared to the sum of the readings in the historical average. Weight readings are automatically calibrated for span and linearization.

Abstract: Electronic weighing scale having a load bridge with torsion bars for transmitting a load from a platform to a load cell. The torsion bars flex torsionally to protect the load cell from overloading and shock loading. The platform rests loosely on the load bridge and is freely displaceable to protect the load cell from side loading or other impacts on the platform.

Abstract: A capacitive load cell having a body fabricated of a ceramic material and having substantially rigid outer arms and a relatively flexible central arm. Electrically conductive plates are carried by the arms in facing relationship, and a load is applied to the central arm to flex the same and change the spacing between the plates.

Abstract: Load cell in which the magnitude of a force, such as the weight of a load, is determined by the stress produced in a bending beam to which the load is applied. A lever system permits the use of a thicker beam which results in highly accurate and repeatable readings even in load cells of relatively low capacity, e.g. less than 2 pounds. One embodiment has two load receiving arms connected to different points in the lever system to provide a dual capacity load cell.

Abstract: Counting scale utilizing two platforms connected to a single load cell for determining the weights of a sample and an unknown quantity of articles to be counted. The weights are combined to determine the number of articles, and this number is displayed. One of the platforms is connected directly to the load cell and is particularly suitable for weighing small loads. The other platform is connected to the load cell through a lever system and is particularly suitable for larger loads. Depending upon the size and the number of the articles to be counted, either of the platforms can be used for weighing either the unknown quantity or the sample, or both. A keyboard is included for entering a weight such as the weight of a container so that the weight of a group of parts in a container upon one of the platforms can be determined without removing the parts and weighing the container separately.

Abstract: Actuator for use with a push-button keyboard in which the keys are arranged in an array of intersecting rows and columns. A single solenoid is provided for each row and column, and means operated by the solenoids causes the key to be depressed at the intersection of a row or column for which the solenoids are energized.

Abstract: Actuator for operating the arcuately moving levers of a postal meter in accordance with output signals from a computing postal scale. The actuator includes drive shoes which engage the levers and are driven along a linear path generally parallel to the arcuate path of the levers. The drive shoes are advanced and retracted by lead screws driven by stepping motors to move the levers in incremental steps. Position encoders provide signals indicative of the positions of the levers, and these signals are combined with the signals from the scale to control the operation of the actuator.

Abstract: Force transducing load cell having a load arm, a load bearing beam rigidly connected to the load arm for bending in response to a load applied to the arm, strain sensing elements mounted on the beam for providing an output signal corresponding to a load, and restraining arms which permit axial movement of the load arm and direct extraneous forces produced by off-center or non-axial loading away from the beam. The beam is bent in a double curved, S-shaped manner with separate regions of tensive and compressive stress on one surface, and the sensing elements are mounted in these regions to effect cancellation of any extraneous stresses produced in the beam by off-center loading.

Abstract: Highly accurate and versatile computing scale which is particularly suitable for postal use. The platform of the scale is mounted on and supported by a single load cell in a system requiring no levers, pivots or other moving parts. Weight readings are averaged on a moving average basis, and in one preferred embodiment the scale has an accuracy on the order of 1/32 ounce over a range of 70 pounds. With no load on the scale, any drift is cancelled by increasing or decreasing the net weight reading in small increments during successive counting cycles to maintain an accurate zero reference. The scale includes a keyboard through which a postal clerk can enter information about the destination and type of service desired, and a zip code to postal zone converter is included for automatically determining the postal zone from the zip code. Digital displays indicate the weight and postage to both the clerk and customer.

Abstract: Counting scale and method utilizing a single load cell for determining the weights of both a sample and an unknown quantity of articles to be counted. The weights are combined to determine the number of articles, and this number is displayed. The platform of the scale is mounted on and supported by the load cell in a system requiring no levers, pivots or other moving parts. Weight readings are averaged on a moving average basis, and with no load on the scale, any drift is cancelled by increasing or decreasing the weight readings in small increments during successive counting cycles to maintain an accurate zero reference.

Abstract: Highly accurate and versatile computing scale which is particularly suitable for postal use. The platform of the scale is mounted on and supported by a single load cell in a system requiring no levers, pivots or other moving parts. Weight readings are averaged on a moving average basis, and in one preferred embodiment the scale has an accuracy on the order of 1/32 ounce over a range of 70 pounds. With no load on the scale, any drift is cancelled by increasing or decreasing the net weight reading in small increments during successive counting cycles to maintain an accurate zero reference. The scale includes a keyboard through which a postal clerk can enter information about the destination and type of service desired, and a zip code to postal zone converter is included for automatically determining the postal zone from the zip code. Digital displays indicate the weight and postage to both the clerk and customer.

Abstract: Pressure converter for use between a hydraulic load sensing element and a gauge or other device to indicate a property of the load directly in desired units. The pressure converter comprises a first force-pressure transducer connected hydraulically to the sensing element, a second force-pressure transducer connected hydraulically to the gauge, and a pivotally mounted beam having first and second arms connected to the transducers for producing a pressure in the second transducer corresponding to the pressure from the sensing element and the relative lengths of the arms. In one embodiment, the beam pivots about an adjustable fulcrum member which can be moved axially of the beam to vary the lengths of the arms and provide the desired calibration. In a second embodiment, the pivot for the beam is provided by a flexure plate, and the lengths of the arms are adjusted by changing the distances between the load cells and the flexure plates.

Abstract: Highly accurate and versatile computing scale which is particularly suitable for postal use. The platform of the scale is mounted on and supported by a single load cell in a system requiring no levers, pivots or other moving parts. Weight readings are averaged on a moving average basis, and in one preferred embodiment the scale has an accuracy on the order of 1/32 ounce over a range of 70 pounds. With no load on the scale, any drift is cancelled by increasing or decreasing the net weight reading in small increments during successive counting cycles to maintain an accurate zero reference. The scale includes a keyboard through which a postal clerk can enter information about the destination and type of service desired, and a zip code to postal zone converter is included for automatically determining the postal zone from the zip code. Digital displays indicate the weight and postage to both the clerk and customer.