Abstract: An adjustable stand for a weigh scale in which the scale has a readout display at the front of the scale, and a weighing platform located behind the readout display. The adjustable stand is adapted to receive during one weighing operation one or more envelopes which are oversized relative to the platform. The adjustable stand comprises as upright envelope support which extends across the platform. The envelope support slideable engages the sides of the platform with a pair of C-shaped clamping guides. An upright lip is formed at the front of the platform. Appropriate sliding adjustment of the envelope support relative the lip enables one or more oversized envelopes to be securely held on the platform during a single weighing operation. The scale also features a circular platform support saddle. The periphery of the saddle is formed with a plurality of notches which engage fingerlike keys that project from the bottom of the platform.

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

Abstract: A platform type weighing scale comprising a differential capacitor transducer having one double-segment movable plate attached to an elongated weighing beam and two double-segment fixed plates attached to a U-shaped channel. The weighing beam is housed within the cavity defined by the channel. The ends of both the weighing beam and the channel are fixed to tape-pulley supported structures to produce turning moments which move the center of the weighing beam in a vertical plane substantially more than the channel is moved in the same plane. This difference in the relative position of the weighing beam and channel translates into a weight responsive change in the relative position of the fixed and movable capacitor plates to produce a weight readout.