Abstract: A scale is provided which includes a support plate for holding a mass to be weighed, and an electrical switch device for selecting or dialing a function of the scale. The electrical switch device has a capacitive proximity switch with an electrode disposed on the support plate. The capacitive proximity switch monitors an ambient capacitance of the electrode, and reacts solely to the approach of an object (such as a human foot) whose dielectrical properties are different from those of the stationary environment of the proximity switch.

Abstract: A force-measuring element for a scale is provided which includes a first end region via which the force-measuring element is adapted to be supported, a second end region which is adapted to have a load to be measured applied thereto, and a central region provided between the first and second end regions to form a measuring point. A cross-sectional weakening is formed in the central region. The central region has a greater height than at least one of the first and second end regions. And a top side and an underside of the force-measuring element approach one another in both a first transition region and a second transition region which respectively begin at the central region and extend toward the first and second end regions, respectively.

Abstract: A weighing cell is provided which includes a resilient bending bar, and a plurality of resistance measuring gauges that are arranged perpendicular to each other in respective blocks on the resilient bending bar, wherein the resistance measuring gauges are disposed symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of the resilient bending bar.

Abstract: A scale includes a base plate, a load plate, and at least one weighing cell, wherein the base plate and the load plate extend in planar fashion, and the at least one weighing cell is joined directly by non-positive engagement to the base plate and load plate. The weighing cell may be disposed between the base plate and load plate, and connected to the base plate and load plate by fastening plates which are provided on opposite sides of the weighing cell, or the weighing cell may be disposed above the load plate, and connected to the base plate and load plate by fastening plates which are provided at opposite ends on a same side of the weighing cell. Alternatively, shoulders may be provided on the base plate and load plate, or on the weighing cell, for directly joining the weighing cell to the base plate and load plate.

Abstract: Described is a weighing cell for an electronic balance with two side walls (15, 16) which move parallel to each other as a function of the weight and in which are located two metal plates forming a condensor whose capacitance varies with the weight. One plate is a circuit board (17) which has a metal film (20) on the side facing the other plate (23) and which also carries the components (18, 19, 19′) of the electric circuitry of the balance.

Abstract: The invention relates a to method for calibrating scales having a weight-determining weighing system with a processor-controlled computer and with a memory unit for storing information regarding gravitational acceleration.

Abstract: A load-sensing element for a balance comprises a beam which receives the load at one end, with a horizontal recess. The bending points of two guide rods formed by sections of substantially reduced material cross-section on the upper and lower faces of said recess provide a parallel guide. The measurement signal is derived by means of two wire strain gauges at the bending points on the upper face. The lower guide rod has a shoulder between the bending points at which the external cross-section of the beam widens. As a result, the centrelines of the material cross-section of the bending points formed by this guide rod are mutually offset by a certain distance. In an alternative to the formation of the shoulder, wire strain gauges are provided at the bending points on the upper surface of the upper beam and on the lower surface of the lower beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital scale, in which an analog output signal of a weighing cell is converted in an analog/digital converter into a digital signal. The digital signal is applied to a microprocessor, which compares it with a zero value, derives the weight to be displayed from the comparison and causes it to be displayed in a display device. At regular time intervals, a clock transducer turns the weighing cel on and stores the thus received output signal of the weighing cell in memory in alternation. The output signal most recently ascertained and stored memory is compared with the stored output signal ascertained one time interval previously and, and if the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold is displayed in the display device.