Abstract: Force-releasable elements are used in association with imprinted numerical values of weight to provide a visual indication of the weight of the contents of a receptacle. The system is extremely easy to manufacture and highly affordable, thus enabling it to be used with disposable items such as trash bags. In one embodiment, the numerical weight values are arranged as bands about the girth of the bag, with the imprinted material being gathered in and covered with a force-releasable strip of material. Each imprinted band and its accompanying force-releasable element are associated with a different value of weight, so that when the receptacle is lifted, a user may ascertain an approximate value of the weight of the contents by referring to the indicia associated with released and un-released elements. In alternative embodiments, the force-releasable elements and indicia being positioned along a cord of a strap which may be tied onto the receptacle or provided with it.

Abstract: A post mix in-home carbonated drink dispenser has a novel expansion chamber and an anti-surge valve. The expansion chamber is a gradually expanding chamber which reduces carbonation loss as the carbonated liquid passes from the carbonator to the point where the liquid is discharged. The anti-surge valve, which is provided between the carbonator and the expansion chamber is designed to reduce the spitting and sputtering often experienced on start-up of a drink dispenser. The dispensing valve for carbonated water is part of the carbonator and not the dispensing head. This means that no carbonated water exists outside the carbonator. In addition, the dispenser is provided with a thin gas cylinder connecting probe which provides for a simple and easy to use CO.sub.2 cylinder connection.

Abstract: The scale of the present invention has a housing with a recess in its upper surface to allow rotative movement of a pointer therein. Numerals corresponding to weight are disposed an an annular disc-shaped dial carried by the upper periphery of the housing. A transparent cover plate overlies the recess in which the pointer rotates. The recess, pointer and dial are arranged and dimensioned so that the pointer and numerals can be easily read by a user from a standing position. The dial and cover are flush with the outer edge of the housing so that the entire upper surface of the scale is easy to clean and comfortable.

Abstract: A weigh scale having a unique display is provided which allows rapid, accurate, and convenient determination of the weight of an object to the nearest discrete fractional portion of a weight unit. The preferred weight unit includes a digital display for the object in whole ounces and four light-emitting indicators, one of which illuminates to indicate the object's fractional weight to the nearest quarter-ounce.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electronic balance comprising a measured value receiver (23) and an electronic evaluation unit (14) having a digital display (10) and an analog display (6), whereby both displays are controlled by the electronic evaluation unit (14). A digital input keyboard (12) is used for inputting the set weight value of a loading. The electronic evaluation unit (14) contains a memory (15) and an arithmetic unit (16) which permit the values indicated in the digital display (10) and in the analog display (6) to be differentiated against each other by the amount stored in the memory (15) so that during a loading procedure the digital display (10) runs from the negative set weight value to 0g and the analog display (6) from 0% to 100%. The analog display (6) consists of adjacent bars (7) which can be shited in their lightness, whereby the length of the individual bars continuously decreases from 0% to 100% of the set weight value, and continuously increases again over 100% of the set weight value.

Abstract: A display device for use in association with an electronic balance, the display device comprising a first display section for digital representation of the values measured from the loads applied to the scale pan of the balance, and a second display section for analog representation of selected digits in the digital representation except for the one in the highest significant position.

Abstract: A device for visually indicating the moisture content of a potted plant includes a housing defining opposing openings in which an elongated flexible visual moisture indicating member is disposed. A reciprocally moveable support member is operatively associated with the housing and is fixed to the indicating member so that movement of the support member between high and low positions responsively effects flexible downward and upward displacement, respectively, of the exposed portion of the indicating member extending exteriorly of the housing. In such a manner, the moisture content of a potted plant can be quickly ascertained by visual inspection of the relative positioning of the exposed indicator member portion.

Abstract: A moisture gauge for a hanging potted plant, which comprises a generally U-shaped spring element comprising a spring coil and a pair of approximately parallel arms extending from said spring coil shaped to provide notches opposite one-another at spaced intervals along the facing edges of the two arms, one of said arms terminating in an indicator, the other arm having a cross-wise extension providing a moisture indicating scale. Adjoining segments of the pendant support by which the hanging potted plant is supported are connected respectively to oppositely notched portions of the two arms selected with reference to the weight of the potted plant when fully watered, so that the indicator will be extended as accurately as possible to the fully watered position.

Abstract: The indicator of this invention comprises a product "empty" signal means actuated responsive to the product container achieving an empty condition, automatically actuating the empty signal means, to provide a visual empty signal, so that the user will be automatically signalled as to the need for replenishment when that occurs. The invention comprises a container movably received in a casing and normally urged to one (full) position responsive to balancing thereof on pressure means, and signal empty means positioned in the area of the container and interconnected with an intermediate mechanism activated on movement of the container, when empty, responsive to said pressure means. Prior to the container empty condition the pressure means will be inadequate to move the container to the point required to actuate the empty signal means.