Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the dynamic parameterization of at least one sensor in an industrial process in which measurement data of the process are acquired by means of a configuration sensor and of a productive sensor, with the configuration sensor and the productive sensor being sensors of the same kind; the measurement data are transmitted to a control unit; the control unit generates a parameter set for the productive sensor with reference to the measurement data and transmits the parameter set to the productive sensor; and the productive sensor uses the parameter set in operation.

Abstract: A communicating sterile scale is described suitable for automated use in animal cages. An upper module provides a weighing platform, electronics, upward facing wireless communication elements, a protecting skirt, and interface to a combined weight-bearing and electrical penetration element. A lower module provides a case, internal electronics, load cell, power source, sterile-sealed flexible complaint membrane and a combined weight bearing and electrical penetration element through the membrane. The upper and lower modules are easily separable for sterilization by immersion in a sterilizing fluid. The power source in the case may be charged through same electrical penetrating element. The membrane comprises a perimeter that is attached and sealed to the case, a penetration area penetrated by the rigid weight-bearing element, and an isolating compliance area. The skirt on upper module protects detritus from entering from below onto the membrane, while providing open-air movement.

Abstract: An animal cage is described suitable for automated use in a vivarium. The cage comprises a study animal; bedding; pathogens; a wireless, a sterilizable scale comprising a sterile case comprising a flexible, penetrated membrane; and a penetrating fastener penetrating the membrane. The comprises four internal volume areas with respect to pathogen content: (1) volume between the membrane and a weighing platform, free of bedding; (2) a sterile volume inside the scale case below the membrane; (3) a vertical channel fluidly connecting the inside of the cage with the first volume; and (4) the inside of the cage outside of the above three volumes. These four volumes are sterilely isolated from air outside the cage. Electronics in the scale communicate wirelessly, through the cage, to cage-associated electronics outside the cage, using narrow beam communications free of device-ID specific protocol. The scale may be disassembled, sterilized in a fluid, re-assembled, and re-used in a different cage.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an electronic coaster for estimating amount of calories consumed by a user, through a beverage present in a beverage holder. The electronic coaster comprises at least one weight sensor to measure weight of a beverage holder comprising a beverage and a computing unit to receive the measured weight from the at least one weight sensor, determine weight of the beverage based on the received weight, identify beverage type and a predefined calorific value corresponding to the beverage type, determine change in weight from the weight of the beverage and estimate total amount of calories consumed by a user based on the change in weight and the predefined calorific value.

Abstract: A load cell lockout system includes a lower support, an upper support, and a load cell disposed between the lower support and the upper support. The upper support is movable relative to the lower support between a first position wherein a first load is applied by the upper support to the load cell and a second position wherein either a second load that is lighter than the first load is applied by the upper support to the load cell or no load is applied by the upper support to the load cell. A lockout includes a cam with an eccentric perimeter side edge, the cam being rotatable between a first orientation whereby the upper support is placed in the first position and a second orientation whereby the upper support is placed in the second position.

Abstract: An instrument having components that are relevant as well as components that are not relevant to regulatory compliance, and a housing serving to accommodate the components, wherein the components that are relevant to regulatory compliance are arranged in the housing under a verification cap, so that they can only be accessed by removing the verification cap, and wherein the verification cap is secured with a verification mark in such a way that removing the verification cap will cause the verification mark to be destroyed. In this arrangement, the verification cap is fastened with at least one locking element, the components that are relevant to regulatory compliance are accessible only after the locking element has been removed, and at least one locking element is designed so that it can be removed while the housing remains closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing mechanism for a scale, in which a connection element connected to a moving lifting element seals or opens an annular gap, wherein, for an opened annular gap, the connection element and lifting element form a biasing load for the weighing sensor of the scale.

Abstract: An electronic scale (1) with a display unit (9), at least one control button (11 . . . 14), a digital signal processing unit (5) and a digital interface (7) to a higher-level electronic data processing (EDP) system (15). The digital signal processing unit (5) has an activatable switch or program part for locking the scale. This switch or part releases the display of the weighing result only for as long as the higher-level EDP system (15) communicates with the scale (1) and locks the display at other times. The activation of the switch or part for the locking process is stored in a power-failure-proof memory (21).

Abstract: A mechanism which can sense the weight of food as well as perhaps time in order to provide auditory cues to a person who is eating. The cues are calculated to modify eating behavior so that it better conforms to a pre-decided ideal. This would be accomplished through classical conditioning by reward and punishment in that the mechanism would chide the user for engaging in undesirable behaviors such as eating too much. It would encourage the user who was engaging in ideal behavior such as eating enough without eating too much. It could instruct the user in techniques useful in achieving behavior patterns closer to the ideal. The mechanism can also use movement of itself or of the food either alone or in combination with the auditory cues to reinforce the training it provides in appropriate eating habits.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring weight of a substance placed within a substrate space which is subjected to sever conditions, including a measuring unit having a transducer and placed within a measuring space, a partition member provided between the measuring space and the substance space and having hole through which said measuring space is communicated with said substance space, a rod-like member extending through said hole formed in the partition member such that a first end of said force transferring member situates within said substance space and a second end of said force transferring member situates within said measuring space, a parallel link mechanism arranged within the measuring space and connected with the rod-like member, a magnetic fluid provided in a space within said hole such that said substance space and measuring space is isolated from each other in a liquid tight manner by means of said magnetic fluid, and a magnetic force generating unit producing a magnetic force such that said magnetic fluid

Abstract: A description is given of scales (100) which are intended for retail outlets and can be adapted to various applications by being equipped with different input means (126, 130) and memory means (116, 118).

Abstract: An electronic weighing device includes a lower electrically conductive plate, an upper electrically conductive plate, a load cell coupled to central portions of the upper and lower plates such that the load cell responds to weight on the upper plate, and a flexible, conductive band coupling the periphery of the upper plate to the periphery of the lower plate. An electronic circuit is coupled to the load cell. The circuit is provided on a board which is mounted on the lower plate close to its center. A pair of bores are provided in the lower plate extending from the circuit board to an edge of the lower plate. A pair of non-conductive rods are coupled to potentiometer on the circuit board. The non-conductive rods extend through the bores from the circuit board to the peripheral edge of the lower plate. The lower plate is provided with a shielded electrical socket which is coupled by shielded cable to the circuit board. A conductive cover is provided over the upper plate, the load cell, and the band.

Abstract: A weighing scale includes a housing having a top opening defined by a top flange. A weighing module is mounted inside the housing for measuring weight. A scale platform is disposed inside the top opening and rests atop the weighing module by gravity. A proximity sensor is mounted inside the housing adjacent to the platform for detecting proximity thereof, and is joined in communication with the weighing module. An elongate lift bar is pivotally mounted atop the platform for movement between a stowed position flush with the platform and a deployed position spaced in part upwardly above the platform for extending size of the platform and for permitting manual lifting of the platform away from the proximity sensor and return adjacent thereto for resetting the weighing module.

Abstract: An apparatus for hazardous waste disposal includes a container for holding a disposable flexible plastic bag without putting tear strain on the bag, and a weighing device for placement under the container so that the weight of the bag may be monitored as it is being filled with hazardous waste.

Abstract: An electronic balance includes a switch mounted on a print in the interior of the balance housing for switching on and off a function which is usually locked, for example, the function "calibrating". The switch is actuated by a prong which is mounted on a closing member and is insertable through an opening in the side wall of the balance housing. A guide member guides the prong along an inclined surface for facilitating the pressing down of the switch button. In the normal condition of operation of the balance, the closing member is turned by 180.degree. and reinserted through the opening, such that the prong projects laterally past the switch in the housing. This configuration prevents incorrect manipulations or damage to the print in the housing because it does not require the insertion of a screwdriver or similar tool for actuating the switch.

Abstract: A weighing scale housing (9) includes a base (21), vertical front (19), rear (17), and side (23,25) walls cooperating with the base to define a weighing chamber (3) containing a movable weighing pan (5), characterized in that at least one of the side walls includes a plurality of planar side wall segments (27, 29; 31, 33) arranged at an obtuse angle, the one side wall being mounted for movement along an arcuate path between an open position affording access to the weighing pan, and a closed position closing the weighing chamber. When in the open position, the side wall is adjacent the rear wall, and when in the closed position, the forward vertical edge (51,53) of one segment engages the rear surface of the front wall, and the rear vertical edge portion (55, 57) of the other segment engages an end portion of the rear wall, thereby tightly sealing the weighing chamber.

Abstract: A grain processor for separating and measuring components of a sample of grain as it passes through a rotary sieve having two or more sieving sections having different perforations. The separated particles in each of the sieving sections are passed through a densimetric column containing a stream of pressure-adjustable air generated by a blower to remove impurities from the separated grain which is channeled into a weighing hopper which measures the weight of the grain or impurities and registers the information in a unit provided with data processing and recording circuits, including a microprocessor. Tachometers provide rotational speed pulses to rotation control circuits in the unit which provides an input to motor controllers associated with the motors driving the fans and the rotary sieve. Each of the rotation control circuits is provided with a motor-driven potentiometer coupled to an optical coded disc which provides an output to adjacently-positioned optical heads providing an input into the unit.

Abstract: Electronic weighing apparatus (3) is provided including a transparent cylindrical cover member (13) defining a weighing chamber (1) within which the load weighing pan is contained. The cover member contains an access opening (16) and is rotatable about its axis relative to a concave housing wall portion within which it partially concentrically extends. The cover member is rotatable relative to the housing between closed and open positions in which the access opening is contained within and remote from the concave wall portion, respectively. A radially displaceable member (25) is biased by a spring (29) to close the access opening in a tightly sealed manner when the cylindrical cover member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A scale-type measuring apparatus, particularly a weighing apparatus, for use in commerce where calibration is required, comprises a sensor (1) which generates a signal representing a measured quantity, a separate readout device (3) disposed remotely from the sensor (1), a signal line (2) connecting the sensor to the readout device and an identification plate (7) for displaying authenticated values of technical measurement parameters of the sensor (1) on the readout device (3).

Abstract: A measuring apparatus such as a scale comprising a weighing platform module, an evaluation module including a microprocessor, and a connecting cable for operatively connecting the modules, the apparatus being operable in at least two (2) different operating modes such as a weighing mode, a calibration and adjustment mode, and a servicing and diagnosis mode, has a plug and socket connection between the modules which, when connected, sets the apparatus in a predetermined one of the operating modes, conveniently the weighing mode. The currently operative mode is automatically determined by the plugging in or unplugging of the connector cable with or without an intermediate plug. This ensures simple and substantially error-free operation of the apparatus.