Abstract: The present invention provides a way to monitor using a weight sensor to a high degree of precision the rate of material consumption from a reservoir while in operation by alleviating perturbations due to extraneous forces exerted on the reservoir by the connecting tubes and conduits that carry the material and transmit electrical signals between the reservoir and the other components of the dispensing system.

Abstract: So as to accurately measure the consumption of material from a reservoir to a high degree of precision during dispensing, and when calibration of the measurement device cannot be reliably performed, the invention proposes an apparatus and a method for measuring a quantity of material to be dispensed. The dispensing apparatus has a dispensing unit for dispensing at least part of the material; a reservoir containing the material to be dispensed; connectors between the reservoir and the dispensing unit; a scale under the reservoir, the scale being for connection to a processor for processing electronic signals from the scale and for converting the signals into a weight measurement; and tubes inserted into the reservoir, the tubes carrying material into and from the reservoir, the tubes being inserted into the reservoir by means of one of the following : i. through a flexible membrane surrounding the connectors, ii. with flexible tube sections between the connectors and the dispensing unit, and iii.