Abstract: A mass-based dispensing system includes a set of interchangeable load cell assemblies. The load cell assemblies are sized to be interchangeably received into a mass-based product dispenser. Each of the interchangeable load cell assemblies has a maximum rated load that is different from the maximum rated load of the other load cell assemblies. The interchangeable load cell assemblies are substantially modular (i.e., have substantially similar external geometries), thus enabling the product dispenser to interchangeably receive the load cells. The interchangeable load cell assemblies enable a single product dispenser to accommodate a broad range of differently weighted products and/or product containers.

Abstract: A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket.

Abstract: A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket.

Abstract: A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket.

Abstract: A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket.

Abstract: A mass-based dispensing system includes a set of interchangeable load cell assemblies. The load cell assemblies are sized to be interchangeably received into a mass-based product dispenser. Each of the interchangeable load cell assemblies has a maximum rated load that is different from the maximum rated load of the other load cell assemblies. The interchangeable load cell assemblies are substantially modular (i.e., have substantially similar external geometries), thus enabling the product dispenser to interchangeably receive the load cells. The interchangeable load cell assemblies enable a single product dispenser to accommodate a broad range of differently weighted products and/or product containers.