Abstract: Disclosed is a method of separating a glass sheet from a moving glass ribbon, wherein the glass ribbon comprises thickened bead portions. The method comprises weakening the bead portions of the ribbon using laser-initiated ablation at the bead portions to overcome the potential for uncontrolled cracking through the bead portion.

Abstract: A chamber for floating glass on a bath of molten metal including: an upstream wall, a downstream wall, and two lateral walls; rolls for driving the glass in a direction of travel from upstream to downstream; a lateral wall including a shoulder resulting in a reduction in width of the chamber in the direction of travel of the glass, the shoulder starting at a first point and terminating at a second point of the lateral wall, the first and second points being in contact with a surface of the bath of metal, the vertical plane passing through the first and second points forming with the vertical plane, parallel with the direction of travel of the glass and passing through the first point, an angle inside the chamber greater than 150°. Geometric features of the shoulder reduce lateral reciprocal motion of a ribbon emerging from the chamber.

Abstract: A platform system including a guide establishing a platform translation axis and having upper and lower surfaces, a carriage translatably coupled to the guide along the platform translation axis and engaged with the upper and lower surfaces of the guide, a platform coupled to the carriage and including at least a portion that is pivotable in a direction transverse to the platform translation axis, and a stepway movably coupled to at least one of the carriage or the platform.

Abstract: A door stop includes a body having a longitudinal axis and having angled sides defining an apex. A rotating toggle having angled sides defining an apex and a longitudinal axis is operably connected at its apex to the body at about the apex of the body. The toggle is rotatable such that the longitudinal axis of the toggle aligns with the longitudinal axis of the body in an insertion position and the longitudinal axis of the toggle is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body in a locked position. A lock assembly is operably mounted to the body to lock the toggle in the locked position.

Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, provides a safety lock for enabling partial opening of a door. The safety lock includes: (i) a first lock member configured for being installed at an opening of a doorframe of the door, wherein the first lock member includes a movable element and at least one track for allowing the movable element to slide there through, wherein the movable element comprises an opening. (ii) a second lock member comprising a protruding section, wherein the protruding section is configured for being inserted into the opening of the first lock member, installed at the doorframe, for allowing thereby pulling of the movable element for allowing partial opening of the door and removing the protruding section from the opening for opening the door.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically operable locking device for locking a gate. The electrical lock has a frame for mounting the locking device to the gate, and a housing slidably movable with respect to the frame between an upper position and a lower position and comprising a drop bolt arranged to move between an extended drop bolt position and an retracted drop bolt position and a mechanical locking mechanism arranged to lock and unlock the housing to the frame and comprising a key-operated cylinder lock to unlock the housing to the frame. The gate is locked if said housing is in the lower position and said drop bolt is in the extended position. The locking device further has a resilient element positioned between the frame and the housing and arranged to lift the housing relative to the frame when the housing is unlocked from the frame by operation of the key-operated cylinder lock.

Abstract: A locking apparatus is configured to lock a first panel and a second panel to a computer device. The locking apparatus includes a lock rotatable between a first position and a second position, a mounting panel, a driving lever pivotably attached on the mounting panel, a blocking member attached to the mounting panel, and a latch member. When moved to the first position, the rotatable post rotates the driving lever, the driving lever pushes the latch member to unlatch from the second panel, and the rotatable post is disengaged from the blocking member to unlock the first panel. When moved to the second position, the rotatable post is blocked by the blocking member for locking the first panel, the driving lever is rotated to its original position, and the latch member latches the second panel.

Abstract: A method for producing rolled products includes providing two parallel lines downstream of a continuous casting, for conveying profiled supply sections that converge together at least at a single first rolling station. A plant for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roll-holder cartridge for a rolling mill 20. The cartridge 24 comprises two side walls 26, a plurality of roll-lever units 30, two adjusting rings 28 and an adjusting actuator 32. Each side wall of the cartridge comprises a plurality of first seats 260; each adjusting ring comprises a plurality of second seats 280; and each one of the roll-lever units is mounted on the cartridge so as to be able to pivot about a pin 300, each end of each pin being housed in the axial direction inside a first seat and a second seat, respectively. Moreover, the first seats allow a displacement of the respective pins in a purely tangential direction t; the second seats allow a displacement of the respective pins in a purely radial direction r, and the two adjusting rings may be rotated about the axis X by means of the adjusting actuator. The invention also relates to a rolling stand 22 comprising the cartridge described above and a rolling mill comprising a plurality of rolling stands 22.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic extrusion apparatus which causes resonance of an extrusion die using ultrasonic vibrations, thus reducing friction between the extrusion die and an extrusion material. The ultrasonic extrusion apparatus has an increased number of ultrasonic vibrators provided around the extrusion die in the circumferential direction to increase the vibration output, whereby when extruding a metal material such as a magnesium material, friction between the metal material and the extrusion die can be reduced, thus improving the performance of the extrusion process (preventing a reduction in an extrusion rate, generation of heat, cracking of a product, errors in measurements, etc.).

Abstract: An improved arts and crafts tool designed to loop and cut wire in a single fluid motion at any desired location along the length of the wire. The tool comprises a pair of arms each arm terminating in a soft-cover handle adapted to be gripped by a user. The upper portions of the arms comprise looping and cutting members for looping and cutting wire at a desired length. Disposed within one of the cutting members is an ejection aperture which harmlessly directs cut sections of waste wire away from a user and enables the tool to cut sections of wires at any desirable point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a press forming method press forming a workpiece between a die and a punch, while pushing the punch into the die by means of a relative motion of the die and the punch, the method includes: producing an intermediate molding (100B) having ridges (100d) formed in predetermined parts of the workpiece, and then press forming the intermediate molding (100B) into a final shape, to thereby substantially thicken and work-harden the predetermined parts of the workpiece.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor data and end of life detection are provided. In some embodiments, a method for determining the end of life of a continuous analyte sensor includes evaluating a plurality of risk factors using an end of life function to determine an end of life status of the sensor and providing an output related to the end of life status of the sensor. The plurality of risk factors may be selected from the list including the number of days the sensor has been in use, whether there has been a decrease in signal sensitivity, whether there is a predetermined noise pattern, whether there is a predetermined oxygen concentration pattern, and error between reference BG values and EGV sensor values.

Abstract: A sensor with continuous self test is provided. An exemplary inertial sensor may include one or more self test electrodes so that one or more test signals may be applied to the electrodes during normal operation of the sensor. Normal sensor output may be read and stored during normal operation, when self test signals are typically not applied to the sensor. The normal sensor output provides a baseline for comparison to a sensor offset error detection signal produced when a test signal may be applied to one self test electrode, and also to a sense error detection signal when a test signal may be applied to both self test electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating the functionality of a blood pressure cuff. The system includes a support mandrel that receives a stimulation cuff connected to a blood pressure simulation device. The reference cuff is positioned around both the mandrel and the stimulation cuff and the blood pressure simulator is operated to inflate and deflate the stimulation cuff in a test pattern. A reference signal from the reference blood pressure cuff is received and stored for later analysis. Once the reference signal is recorded, a test blood pressure cuff is positioned around the stimulation cuff and the mandrel and the blood pressure simulator is operated to create the test pattern. An output signal from the test blood pressure cuff is recorded. The system compares the reference output signal to the test output signal to determine whether the test blood pressure cuff and the reference blood pressure cuff are functional equivalents.

Abstract: A method and system to calibrate temperature and pressure in piezo resistive devices for non-linear sensors having two variables, where a piezo resistive device such as a piezo resistive transducer (PRT) used for example in a pressure sensor system is calibrated to calculate actual/ambient temperature and pressure even though the PRT impedance is unbalanced relative to pressure.

Abstract: A multi-range on-site full-automatic pressure and electric signal calibration instrument includes a housing, a power switch, a plurality of interfaces, a display, a keyboard, a gas pressure generation unit, a power supply unit, a pressure detection unit, a gas pressure control unit and an electric signal detection unit. A pressure output port of the pressure control unit is in parallel connection with pressure connectors used for installation of a plurality of pressure standard devices with different ranges and a calibrated gauge. The pressure control unit is in signal connection with the pressure standard device. The electric signal detection unit is in signal connection with the pressure control unit and the calibrated gauge; and the power supply unit can supply power by batteries. The calibration instrument does not need to be externally connected with a gas cylinder or an alternating current power supply.

Abstract: A drop test apparatus includes a frame, a first blocking board, a second blocking board, two first pivot poles and two second pivot poles. The frame includes a base board and a holding board above the base board for holding a tested product. The first blocking board is located between the base board and the holding board for placing the tested product when the tested product is dropped from the holding board. The second blocking board is secured to the base board. The two first pivot holes and the second two pivot poles are connected the first blocking board with the second blocking board, and a distance between the first blocking board and the second support is adjusted.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring or assessing the homeostatic relationship between gases in the body, environment or water. The measured or assessed level of gases in the body, environment or air uses the interrelationships of the various components in order to establish guidelines for treating individuals, the environment or water.

Abstract: A particle monitoring method of monitoring particles included in an exhaust gas from a depressurized processing vessel 12 includes counting the particles included in the exhaust gas from the depressurized processing vessel 12 while cleaning an inside of the depressurized processing vessel 12 by a particle monitor 18; creating a histogram showing a time and the number of particles from a result of the counting of the particles; extracting, from the histogram, a first feature amount indicating a correlation between a mode of the number of the particles and a particle counting period; and extracting, from the histogram, a second feature amount indicating a correlation between the particle counting period and a distribution tendency of the particles during the particle counting period.

Abstract: A gas detection system is provided. The system includes a sample gas inlet configured to receive a sample of gas and a sample chamber operably coupled to the sample gas inlet. The sample chamber has at least one gas sensor disposed therein. The gas sensor provides a gas sensor output indicative of a species of interest in the sample of gas. A controller is coupled to the at least one gas sensor and is configured to provide information related to the species of interest based on the gas sensor output. A moisture removal device is disposed to receive the sample of gas and remove moisture from the sample before the sample reaches the at least one gas sensor.

Abstract: A warehouse system and method for detecting air particles in a warehouse are disclosed. The warehouse system includes storage locations, air filters, a cartridge, and a control base. The air filters are correspondingly arranged on outer sides of each storage location. A detecting module of the cartridge detects the air particles on a surface of corresponding air filter of the abnormal storage locations. The detecting module further calculates a radius of the air particles and transmits the radius of the air particles to the control base. The control base determines if the corresponding air filter of the abnormal storage locations has leaked. The detecting process of the claimed invention is safer, more precise and convenient.

Abstract: A evaporated fuel processing device includes a seal valve that seals off the fuel tank from the atmosphere, a canister, a changeover valve that allows or inhibits communication of the canister with the atmosphere, the canister internal pressure sensor, a controller that sends an open/close command to the seal valve and the changeover valve, a diagnosis unit that performs leak diagnosis of an evaporated fuel sealing system, and a negative pressure pump that generates pressure in the evaporated fuel sealing system. The diagnosis unit performs leak diagnosis of the entirety of the evaporated fuel sealing system before performing leak diagnosis of a canister side section. The diagnosis unit performs function diagnosis of the seal valve with the seal valve closed and the changeover valve at a shut-off position based on whether the detection value of the tank internal pressure sensor varies beyond a predetermined range of the generated pressure.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting analytes, a method of making the sensor, and a method of using the sensor. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises at least one array comprising a plurality of resonators. The resonators can be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and can be connected in a combined series-parallel configuration. The resonators can be adapted to vibrate independently at about the same resonance frequency and about the same phase. The sensor can also comprise an actuator and a signal detector electrically coupled to the array. The sensor can also further comprise an analyte delivery system and can be functionalized for detection of at least one analyte.

Abstract: A resonant sensor assembly includes a dielectric substrate having a sensing region. The sensor assembly further comprises a plurality of tuning elements operatively coupled to the sensing region, where the sensing region is coupled to the plurality of tuning elements to define a plurality of resonant circuits.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample includes providing a sensor assembly having a sensing region with a plurality of resonant circuits, and a plurality of tuning elements. The method further includes exposing the sensor assembly to an environment comprising the sample, and probing the sample with one or more frequencies generated by the sensor assembly. Furthermore, the method includes determining an impedance of a sensor response over a measured spectral frequency range of the sensor assembly, and relating measurement of impedance of the sensor assembly to at least one environmental property of the sample.

Abstract: The hardness tester includes a plurality of weights; a transmission mechanism transmitting to an indenter a force of gravity acting on the weights; and a test force switching mechanism switching between magnitudes of a test force. The weights include hollow portions running through the weights in a vertical direction; and accommodation portions formed so as to be capable of accommodating the weight directly below. Outside tapered portions are provided to an exterior surface of the weights and inside tapered portions are provided to an interior surface of the accommodation portions. The transmission mechanism includes a shaft member and a weight engagement portion capable of being accommodated by the bottom-most accommodation portion to engage a weight. The weight engagement portion includes a tapered portion engaging the weight to regulate horizontal-direction displacement. A predetermined gap is reserved between the hollow portions and the shaft member.

Abstract: A crank angle detection apparatus may include a crank gear provided to be rotated together with a crankshaft, a balance gear provided to be rotated together with a balance shaft and engaged with the crank gear so that the balance shaft is rotated in accordance with rotation of the crankshaft, and a crank angle sensor configured to sense rotation of the balance gear or the crank gear and detect a rotation angle of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A temperature of a heated component is determined for control and monitoring. The heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, generates a current within a component of a heated fuel injector, wherein the current through the component generates an appropriate loss to generate heat for a variable spray fuel injection system. The heater driver regulates the energy to the heated component based on the electrical resistance of that component as a function of temperature and a predetermined reference value for that temperature.

Abstract: A wind tunnel device defines a cyclical tunnel to receive continuous airflow. Airflow is delivered through the tunnel to a testing region that includes a first portion carrying an arm including a spray tip configured to spray particulates in the testing region at an angle, and a second portion including an enlarged cutout region configured to receive the angled sprayed particulates. As airflow carries the angled spray particulates into the second portion, the enlarged cutout region enables the spray particulates to pass through and exit the second portion of the testing region. Analysis in the second region may be conducted through transparent walls free of openings to minimize exposure of the spray particulates to the exterior of the device. A scrubber is adapted to extract spray mist from the airflow as the airflow exits the testing region and is re-circulated through the cyclical tunnel.

Abstract: A separator is described as provided with a gas/liquid separator vessel, a sight glass, and a carry-over meter. The sight glass is positioned on the exterior of the gas/liquid separator vessel, and has a first inlet and a second inlet in fluid communication with a separation chamber of the gas/liquid separator vessel. The sight glass is further provided with a first outlet in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the second inlet. The sight glass has a tube extending between the first inlet and the second inlet with at least a portion of the tube being transparent to light in a visible range of wavelengths. The carry-over meter is provided with a first densitometer connected to the first outlet of the sight glass via piping and a second densitometer connected to the second outlet of the sight glass via piping.

Abstract: A method for using a drilling fluid test device including a test cell including a perforated plate disposed proximate a first end of the test cell, a piston disposed within the cell, a first chamber formed between the perforated plate and the piston, the first chamber configured to receive lost circulation material (LCM), a second chamber formed between the piston and a second end of the test cell, the piston providing a seal between the first and second chambers, a fluid inlet disposed proximate the second end of the test cell configured to introduce fluid into a second chamber of the test cell, a filtrate outlet disposed proximate the first end of the test cell to discharge filtrate, and a pump in communication with the fluid inlet.

Abstract: A sensor for a fill level measuring device for determining the fill level in a container by determining the delay time of high-frequency signals, comprising a main reflector having an edge region and an inner region, a sub reflector, which is connected to the edge region of the main reflector via a radome, an inner space, which is encompassed by the radome and the main reflector, and a hollow waveguide which is connected to the main reflector and has a front end, which is oriented toward the sub reflector for coupling electromagnetic waves in and/or out, wherein the radome and the sub reflector are embodied as integral or unitary in formation.

Abstract: A densitometer system is described. The densitometer system is provided with a tube, a stand, a torsion measuring device and a data acquisition system. The tube has a first end, an inlet section at the first end of the tube, and an outlet section at the first end of the tube. The tube has a torque arm extending between the inlet section and the outlet section. The torque arm has a first section extending away from the first end and a second section extending toward the first end. The stand has a base and at least one leg connected to the base. The at least one leg is connected to the first end of the tube to support the tube a distance from the base. The torsion measuring device is connected to at least one of the inlet section and the outlet section of the tube. The torsion measuring device measures a quantity of torsion strain in the at least one of the inlet section and the outlet section.

Abstract: A water vapour sensor comprises a substrate and a film of carbon nanotubes impregnated with surfactant on the substrate. The substrate is of material which is inert relative to the film. Two or more electrical conductors are in contact with in spaced apart zones of the film, whereby the impedance of the film may be measured. The sensor is housed in housing which protects the sensor but also allows exposure of the film to water vapour.

Abstract: A system includes a non-destructive testing (NDT) system having an NDT probe and a processor. The NDT probe includes a testing sensor and a motion sensor. The testing sensor is configured to capture sensor data from an inspection area, and the motion sensor is configured to detect a measurement speed at which the NDT probe moves relative to the inspection area. The processor is configured to determine a speed comparison between the measurement speed and a reference speed range.

Abstract: A system for detecting a vehicle speed, includes: a pulse ring including a pulse ring rotation part rotating according to travel of a vehicle, and a plurality of pitch units provided in the pulse ring rotation part at a predetermined interval; a vehicle speed sensor adjacently provided to the pulse ring and configured to output a voltage signal generated according to a distance between the vehicle speed sensor and a pitch unit; an output unit configured to output a voltage pulse signal and a voltage pulse amplitude change signal of the vehicle speed sensor; a first vehicle speed detection unit configured to detect the vehicle speed based on the voltage pulse signal of the output unit; and a second vehicle speed detection unit configured to detect the vehicle speed based on the voltage pulse amplitude change signal of the output unit, in which at least one of the plurality of pitch units has an adjacent distance which is different from an adjacent distance between another of the pitch units and the vehicle spe

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an angular velocity sensor including: first and second mass bodies; a first frame provided at an outer side of the first and second mass bodies; a first flexible part connecting the first and second mass bodies to the first frame in a Y axis direction, respectively; a second flexible part connecting the first and second mass bodies to the first frame in an X axis direction, respectively; a second frame provided at an outer side of the first frame; a third flexible part connecting the first and second frames to each other in the X axis direction; and a fourth flexible part connecting the first and second frames to each other in the Y axis direction, wherein the first frame has a thickness in a Z axis direction thinner than that of the second frame.

Abstract: A sensor includes a plurality of mounting boards with sensor components mounted on amounting surface, and a support member provided with fixation surfaces adapted to fix the plurality of mounting boards, the sensor components are disposed between the mounting boards and the support member, and the mounting boards are connected to each other with a connection member.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms to provide for metering acceleration. In an embodiment, a microelectromechanical accelerometer includes a magnet, a mass, and a first support beam portion and second support beam portion for suspension of the mass. Resonance frequency characteristics of the first support beam portion and second support beam portion, based on the magnet and a current conducted by the first support beam portion and second support beam portion, are indicative of acceleration of the mass. In another embodiment, the accelerometer further includes a first wire portion and a second wire portion which are each coupled to the mass and further coupled to a respective anchor for exchanging a signal with the first wire portion and the second wire portion. The first wire portion and the second wire portion provide for biasing of the mass.

Abstract: A sensor may include a base, a resonator centered over the base, and an accelerometer disposed in a base of the resonator. The resonator may be configured to harvest energy from vibratory motion of a host device and includes a slot disposed on a center rectangular plane of the sensor. The sensor may include a circuit arrangement disposed on the accelerometer and in the slot on the center rectangular plane of the sensor. A piezoelectric element may be mounted on the resonator and electrically coupled with the circuit arrangement. The piezoelectric element may be configured to convert vibratory energy of the resonator to electrical energy. An optional antenna may be coupled with the circuit arrangement and configured to wirelessly transmit data from the sensor to a receiving station.

Abstract: A device for measuring, documenting, and issuing citations for noise violations comprises a mobile device for measuring the decibel sound level from a sound source, for measuring the distance from the device to the source, for capturing an image or video of the sound source, and determining whether the sound source exceeds a user-predetermined level. The device may be in the form of a hand-held gun-shaped device wherein the user actuates the trigger to record an image or video of the sound source, the decibel sound level, and the distance between the device and the source. After the data is collected, the sound-measuring device is attached to a download component. The download component accepts data from the sound-measuring component and allows the user to input additional data regarding the noise violation. The user may then use the download component to print a citation, which may include an image of the sound source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods and systems for monitoring and/or characterizing multi-component tablets and for monitoring punch and die surfaces and, more particularly, to methods and systems for in-die and out-of-die monitoring and/or characterizing multi-component tablets based on acoustic and vibrational spectroscopy and for detecting and monitoring stiction and tooling material modifications on punch and die surfaces during compaction based on acoustic/ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and program code, and methods for monitoring the health and other conditions of the valve, are provided. An exemplary system for monitoring the condition of the gate valve includes a logic module configured to perform the operations of receiving sensor data providing an acoustic emission, vibration, and/or stream level signature and determining the level of lubricity, level of friction, level of surface degradation, and leakage rate at a gate-valve seat interface. An exemplary method for monitoring the condition of the gate valve includes receiving sensor data providing an acoustic emission, vibration, and/or stream level signature and determining the level of lubricity, level of friction, level of surface degradation, and leakage rate at a gate-valve seat interface.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic transducer assembly, a conformable ultrasonic transducer has a piezoelectric layer and electrodes able to conform to curved surfaces, and a clamp for pressing the transducer into ultrasonic contact with a curved surface. Conformability is ensured with a thin, porous piezoelectric layer and suitable electrical conductors and insulators. The ultrasonic transducer may operate without further thermal shielding under harsh environments and/or at high temperatures.

Abstract: An object information obtaining device includes a light source which emits light, an acoustic wave detecting unit which detects a photoacoustic wave generated by irradiation of an object with the light, and outputs an electric signal in response to detection of the photoacoustic wave, and a processing unit configured to perform two or more types of processing to photoacoustic signal data based on the electric signal to obtain object information corresponding to each of the two or more types of processing, and to display on a display unit the object information corresponding to at least one processing selected by a user out of the two or more types of processing.

Abstract: An object information acquisition apparatus disclosed in the present specification includes a light source, an acoustic wave detection unit, and a processing unit. The light source is configured to emit light. The acoustic wave detection unit is configured to detect a photoacoustic wave generated by irradiation of an object with the light and to output a detection signal. The processing unit is configured to be able to acquire two or more types of object information on the basis of the detection signal and configured to cause a display unit to display at least one type of object information selected by a user from among the two or more types of object information.

Abstract: A photoacoustic probe and photoacoustic device implementing the photoacoustic probe may reduce an artifact caused by an ultrasonic wave generated in the photoacoustic probe without mounting a separate device. The photoacoustic probe and photoacoustic device implementing the photoacoustic probe may reduce an artifact by changing a configuration or a structure provided in the photoacoustic probe. The photoacoustic probe may receive a photoacoustic signal generated from an inner material of an object absorbing light of a predetermined wavelength and may include a piezoelectric module to convert the photoacoustic signal into an electric signal, and an object contact unit disposed on the front surface of the piezoelectric module, the object contact unit contacting the object and not absorbing the light of a predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: An electrostatic pressure sensor has a supporting diaphragm bonded to be held between first and second pedestal plates, a sensor chip supported on a top face of a center portion of the second pedestal plate. The supporting diaphragm has in the center portion thereof a large-diameter hole that forms a slit-shaped space between the first and second pedestal plates. The first pedestal plate has at least one inlet hole, for the fluid being measured, connecting to the slit-shaped space. The second pedestal plate has at least an outlet hole, connecting to the slit-shaped space, for directing the fluid being measured to the pressure-sensitive diaphragm of the sensor chip. The pedestal plate has an inlet hole of the first pedestal plate and an outlet hole of the second pedestal plate do not overlap each other in the direction of thickness of the first and second pedestal plates.

Abstract: A device and a method for evaluating signals from load cells with strain gauges (SG), which require electronic signal evaluation with very low offset voltages due to the small output signal. In order to be able to use inexpensive components as well, two different operating points of the SG are set in two consecutive measurements, each being determined by a single voltage reference. The voltage in the zero branch of the bridge circuit of the SG is amplified in a differential amplifier and digitised with an ADC. In this context, the reference for the ADC is derived from the operating point of the SG that is determined by the respective voltage reference. The digitised offset and the initial value of the load cell are calculated from the two measurement values in an arithmetic logic unit.