Abstract: Scales include at least one transducer, a weighing pan arranged such that weight applied to the weighing pan is referred to the transducer, and electronics which receive an output from the transducer and drive a display to provide a user with a visible indication of the weight applied to the weighing pan. The transducer and electronics are contained in a sealed enclosure defined at least in part by a flexible water-tight membrane which is able to move and thereby (a) to accommodate changes of volume of the sealed enclosure without creating a pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the sealed enclosure and (b) to accommodate movement of the weighing pan. The water-tight membrane may include a double film comprising a saturated salt solution between two films.

Abstract: A separating apparatus includes a separating chamber in which cyclonic separation is able to take place, an inlet to the separating chamber and a shroud that includes a wall having a multiplicity of through-holes forming an outlet from the separating chamber and also includes a lip extending from the wall into the separating chamber, the lip having has a plurality of apertures therethrough. The provision of apertures in the depending lip allows the airflow to be drawn through the apertures while it is still in the separating chamber. This has the effect of capturing some of the dirt and dust which remains entrained within the airflow so that it collects on the upstream side of the lip. Thus the shroud through-holes are presented with less entrained dirt and dust and the risk of the through-holes becoming blocked is reduced.