Abstract: A method for operating a balance includes: (a) introducing an ion cloud into a weighing chamber to bring an electrostatic charge state of a weighing sample towards an electrostatic neutral state, (b) detecting the neutral state, and (c) acquiring measured values of a weighing sensor, calculating therefrom a final weighing value representing the electrostatic neutral state, and outputting the final weighing value. When the ionizer is activated, the measured values of the weighing sensor are acquired, preliminary weighing values are calculated from the measured values and the final weighing value is calculated and output after a number of preliminary weighing values have been recognized as stable. During a recognition phase, positive and negative ion clouds are alternatingly generated, and during a neutralization phase, only ion clouds of that sign are generated that, in the recognition phase, had led to the larger changes within the preliminary weighing values.

Abstract: A gravimetric measuring system (10) includes a balance (12) with a weighing chamber (22), surrounded by a plurality of weighing chamber walls (23, 24, 26, 28); an electromechanical weighing system (181), enclosed by an adjoining weighing system chamber (18); an electronic control apparatus (36) for controlling the system operation according to algorithms stored in a memory (363) thereof; and a plurality of functional modules (14, 16), which generate heat during operation and are configured to be inserted into module receptacles (283), arranged on at least one weighing chamber wall (28). A plurality of interacting measures lead to an advantageously controllable system that can be flexibly equipped, but is nonetheless calibratable.

Abstract: A gravimetric measuring system (10), includes a balance (12) with a weighing chamber (22), surrounded by a weighing chamber wall (23, 24, 26, 28); an electromechanical weighing system (181); and an electronic control apparatus (36) for controlling the system operation according to algorithms stored in a memory (363) thereof; and a plurality of functional modules (14, 16), configured to be inserted, into module receptacles (283), arranged on the weighing chamber wall (28). Each module receptacle (283) has a device-side identification interface component (30a); and each functional module has a corresponding module-side identification interface component (306). The control apparatus (36) identifies each functional module (14, 16) inserted into a module receptacle (283), through interaction between the respective device-side and module-side identification interface components (30a, b) and selects one of a plurality of operating routines according to algorithms stored in the memory.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus includes —a sample holder (20), —a protective housing (14, 16, 18) with an access port (181) and a closure element (26), —a reflection sensor (34) with a radiation emitter (37) emitting sensor radiation (38) reflected by a reflecting object (39) and with a radiation receiver (42) receiving a sensor radiation component (40), reflected by the object and —a control unit (32), connected to a motorized drive (30) of the closure element and to the reflection sensor, and which controls the motorized drive with a reflection sensor signal, for transferring the closure element between closed and open positions. A differentiating element subjects a sensor primary signal (52) of the reflection sensor to a differentiation. The primary signal depends on a reflection intensity of the reflected radiation component and generates a sensor secondary signal (60). The control unit controls the motorized drive based on the sign of the secondary signal.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus includes —a sample holder (20), —a protective housing (14, 16, 18) with an access port (181) and a closure element (26), —a reflection sensor (34) with a radiation emitter (37) emitting sensor radiation (38) reflected by a reflecting object (39) and with a radiation receiver (42) receiving a sensor radiation component (40), reflected by the object and —a control unit (32), connected to a motorized drive (30) of the closure element and to the reflection sensor, and which controls the motorized drive with a reflection sensor signal, for transferring the closure element between closed and open positions. A differentiating element subjects a sensor primary signal (52) of the reflection sensor to a differentiation. The primary signal depends on a reflection intensity of the reflected radiation component and generates a sensor secondary signal (60). The control unit controls the motorized drive based on the sign of the secondary signal.

Abstract: An electromagnetically force-compensating force-measuring apparatus (100) that includes a force dependent support coil (2) and an integrating analog/digital converter (10; 10?) that converts the coil current (IS) into a digital output signal. A current/voltage converter (6) is connected downstream of the support coil (2), the output of the current/voltage converter being connected to a measurement voltage input (14) of the analog/digital converter (10; 10?) and to the input of a voltage amplifier (8). The resistance value of a first heating resistor (RSH) is equal to the resistance value of the support coil (2), the resistance value of a second heating resistor (RWH) is equal to the conversion factor (RW) of the current/voltage converter (6) and the gain factor of a voltage amplifier (8) is equal to the ratio of the resistance value of the first heating resistor to the resistance value of the second heating resistor.

Abstract: A weighing compartment (10) having a work surface (22), including a balance which is integrated into the weighing compartment and which has a scale pan (24) arranged on the work surface (22), and at least one operation surface (26) which is arranged within the area of the work surface (22). The work surface (22) is formed by the surface of a smooth, continuous plate (20) and the operation surface (26) is integrated into the work surface (22) and is designed as a sensor panel, wherein a sensor (28) is arranged below the plate which forms the work surface.

Abstract: A precision balance provided with a windshield having at least one wall element (2, 10, 12, 20, 24), which is provided with an electrically conductive coating (62), and having an electrical connection (66) for the coating. An electrical test device (68) is additionally provided, which is integrated into the precision balance and with which it is possible to check whether the coating (62) is connected to the electrical connection (66).

Abstract: In an integrating A/D converter, first and second reference voltage inputs (18, 20) alternatingly connect through a reference voltage switch (16, 16?) via a first reference resistor (Rref) to an inverting input (122) of an integrator (12). A comparator (22) connected downstream of the integrator (12) compares a test voltage applied to its test voltage input (221) with a comparator reference voltage applied to its reference voltage input (222). This input (221) is connected to- the output (126) of the integrator (12). A control device (40) actuates the first reference voltage switch (16, 16?) in a pulsed manner and measures the time intervals between the individual switching processes. An inverter (24) inverting a measuring voltage (UM) and a first heating resistor (RMH) coupled thermally with a measuring resistor (RM), are connected in series between the measuring voltage input (14) and the output of the first reference voltage switch (16, 16?).

Abstract: An electromagnetically force-compensating force-measuring apparatus (100) that includes a force dependent support coil (2) and an integrating analog/digital converter (10; 10?) that converts the coil current (IS) into a digital output signal. A current/voltage converter (6) is connected downstream of the support coil (2), the output of the current/voltage converter being connected to a measurement voltage input (14) of the analog/digital converter (10; 10?) and to the input of a voltage amplifier (8). The resistance value of a first heating resistor (RSH) is equal to the resistance value of the support coil (2), the resistance value of a second heating resistor (RWH) is equal to the conversion factor (RW) of the current/voltage converter (6) and the gain factor of a voltage amplifier (8) is equal to the ratio of the resistance value of the first heating resistor to the resistance value of the second heating resistor.

Abstract: In an integrating A/D converter, first and second reference voltage inputs (18, 20) alternatingly connect through a reference voltage switch (16, 16?) via a first reference resistor (Rref) to an inverting input (122) of an integrator (12). A comparator (22) connected downstream of the integrator (12) compares a test voltage applied to its test voltage input (221) with a comparator reference voltage applied to its reference voltage input (222). This input (221) is connected to the output (126) of the integrator (12). A control device (40) actuates the first reference voltage switch (16, 16?) in a pulsed manner and measures the time intervals between the individual switching processes. An inverter (24) inverting a measuring voltage (UM) and a first heating resistor (RMH) coupled thermally with a measuring resistor (RM), are connected in series between the measuring voltage input (14) and the output of the first reference voltage switch (16, 16?).

Abstract: A precision balance provided with a windshield having at least one wall element (2, 10, 12, 20, 24), which is provided with an electrically conductive coating (62), and having an electrical connection (66) for the coating. An electrical test device (68) is additionally provided, which is integrated into the precision balance and with which it is possible to check whether the coating (62) is connected to the electrical connection (66).

Abstract: A weighing compartment (10) having a work surface (22), including a balance which is integrated into the weighing compartment and which has a scale pan (24) arranged on the work surface (22), and at least one operation surface (26) which is arranged within the area of the work surface (22). The work surface (22) is formed by the surface of a smooth, continuous plate (20) and the operation surface (26) is integrated into the work surface (22) and is designed as a sensor panel, wherein a sensor (28) is arranged below the plate which forms the work surface.

Abstract: Measurement amplification methods and devices for detecting a monopolar input signal (UE) by integrating A/D conversion. Before being digitized, the input signal (UE) is inverted according to the so-called Chopper principle and converted into a bipolar intermediate signal (UZ). A reference voltage (Uref) used in A/D conversion undergoes polarity changes synchronized with the polarity changes of the intermediate signal (UZ). Offset and drift are eliminated by totaling an even number of individual measurements.

Abstract: Measurement amplification methods and devices for detecting the detuning of a measurement bridge (10) to which a bipolar, rectangular supply voltage (Us) is supplied. The methods and devices use integrating A/D conversion and are characterized in that a reference voltage (Uref) used for the A/D conversion undergoes polarity changes synchronized with the polarity changes of the supply voltage (Us). Offset and drift are eliminated by totaling an even number of individual measurements.

Abstract: Measurement amplification methods and devices for detecting the detuning of a measurement bridge (10) to which a bipolar, rectangular supply voltage (Us) is supplied. The methods and devices use integrating A/D conversion and are characterized in that a reference voltage (Uref) used for the A/D conversion undergoes polarity changes synchronized with the polarity changes of the supply voltage (Us). Offset and drift are eliminated by totaling an even number of individual measurements.

Abstract: Measurement amplification methods and devices for detecting a monopolar input signal (UE) by integrating A/D conversion. Before being digitized, the input signal (UE) is inverted according to the so-called Chopper principle and converted into a bipolar intermediate signal (UZ). A reference voltage (Uref) used in A/D conversion undergoes polarity changes synchronized with the polarity changes of the intermediate signal (UZ). Offset and drift are eliminated by totaling an even number of individual measurements.

Abstract: An analytical balance that includes a balance scale, a wind guard encircling the balance scale, and an apparatus for generating an ionized stream of air for dissipating electrostatic charges of goods to be weighed. The apparatus for generating an ionized stream of air includes a blower that draws in air from the weighing space into at least one boundary surface of the weighing space. The blower also recycles the air back into the weighing space via at least one exhaust opening at another point. In this manner, highly effective dissipation of electrostatic charges is possible, and the stream of air can be conducted so that it exerts scarcely any vertical forces on the goods to be weighed. The analytical balance is very user-friendly in operation. Additionally, the apparatus for generating an ionized stream of air is preferably structured to be an easily installed optional component of the analytical balance.