Abstract: A hermetically sealed scale for use in a weighing scale. A scale of the present invention may include a load receiving plate and a bottom plate, between which is sandwiched a supporting rib structure that preferably includes a plurality of perimeter members that form sealed upright sides of the scale. The supporting rib structure, load receiving plate and bottom plate cooperate to form a substantially rigid and hermetically sealed sandwich structure. The load receiving plate may be joined to the supporting rib structure by perimeter welding or another bonding technique that permits the joining material to be subsequently shaped to form a smooth transition between the load receiving plate and the perimeter members of the scale.

Abstract: A bin monitoring system functions both as a device for lifting the bin and as a weighing system for monitoring or measuring the level of feed or other product in a bin. Various embodiments and methods of retrofitting the bin monitoring system to existing bins are provided. Further, the accuracy provided by various embodiments enables one to accurately predict when the bin will be empty. Thus, a feed mill, for example, can be aware of anticipated needs days in advance, allowing the feed mill to better optimize its scheduling and deliveries.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved weigh-in-motion scale. A slight increase in the thickness of a an upper, flexibly-deformable metal plate in a thin, flexibly-deformable plate system coupled with a change in the transverse locations of the load cells provides the improved weigh-in-motion scale, which is capable of weighing substantially heavier loads than previously known weigh-in-motion scales. In use, as weight is applied to the weigh-in-motion scale, the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate elastically bends. The strain gauges thus provide a changing resistive value proportional to the bending of the flexible element and the weight applied, to generate signals to the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which then provides output signals from the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which are proportional to the force applied to the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate.

Abstract: A bin monitoring system functions both as a device for lifting the bin and as a weighing system for monitoring or measuring the level of feed in a feed bin. Various embodiments having a suspended load cell and methods of retrofitting the bin monitoring system to existing bins are provided. Further, the accuracy provided by various embodiments enables one to accurately predict when the feed bin will be empty. Thus, the feed mill can be aware of anticipated needs days in advance, allowing the feed mill to better optimize its scheduling and deliveries.

Abstract: A coupling device designed to securely connect adjacent weigh platform modules of a vehicle scale. Such a device may include corresponding coupling elements, each adapted for attachment to a respective one of a pair of adjacent weigh platform modules. The coupling elements are designed for mating contact and include fastener assembly receiving cavity sections that, when the coupling elements are properly mated, form a fastener assembly receiving cavity in an exposed top surface of the coupling device. A fastener assembly is located in the fastener assembly receiving cavity and is operative to secure the mated arrangement of the coupling elements, thereby rigidly connecting the associated weigh platform modules. The accessible location of the fastener assembly facilitates both installation and subsequent service/repair procedures.

Abstract: A pad is disclosed for use in a weighing system for weighing a load. The pad includes a weighing platform, load cells, and foot members. Improvements to the pad reduce or substantially eliminate rotation of one or more of the corner foot members. A flexible foot strap disposed between the corner foot members reduces rotation of the respective foot members about vertical axes through the corner foot members and couples the corner foot members such that rotation of one corner foot member results in substantially the same amount of rotation of the other corner foot member. In a strapless variant one or more fasteners prevents substantially all rotation of a foot member. In a diagonal variant, a foot strap extends between a corner foot member and the weighing platform to reduce rotation of the foot member about a vertical axis through the corner foot member.

Abstract: A trolley case including a case body and a weight monitoring device. The weight monitoring device is mounted on the case body, including a pressure sensor, a transmission unit, and a display module. The pressure sensor is mounted on the case body, and supports the case body when using. When being applied by a pressure, the pressure sensor transmits the pressure to a corresponding electrical signal according to an intension of the pressure. The intension of the electrical signal is corresponding to the intension of the pressure. The transmission unit is electrically connected to the pressure sensor, and transmits the electrical signal into a corresponding weight value. The display module is electrically connected to the transmission unit for display the weight value.

Abstract: This invention provides a luggage case accessory for measuring weight of a luggage case. In the invention, the luggage case accessory includes a main body, a weight sensing unit, a control unit, and an output unit. The main body has an embedding structure for being detachably embedded with a handle. The weight sensing unit is disposed in the main body for sensing weight borne by the handle to output a weight signal. The control unit is coupled with the weight sensing unit for receiving the weight signal and outputting a control signal according to the weight signal. The output unit is coupled with the control unit for receiving the control signal and outputting a weight state of the luggage case according to the control signal.

Abstract: A laundry treatment machine includes a load determining device configured to determine a weight of a load disposed inside the machine. The load determining device includes a first force measuring device configured to sense a total weight of the machine with objects disposed therein and thereon, and a second force measuring device configured to sense a weight of the object disposed on the machine.

Abstract: A shopping cart is disclosed. The shopping cart comprises a frame, a receptacle for holding items and a scanning apparatus for scanning items to be placed within the receptacle. The shopping cart further comprising weighing means for monitoring the weight of the receptacle.

Abstract: A combination apparatus for weighing an aircraft has a plurality of weight scales, each scale being adapted to be supported by a support surface in a position for receiving landing gear of an aircraft thereon. At least one riser supports at least one scale above the support surface, and the height of each riser is selected to position an aircraft on the scales in a level attitude while a weight of the aircraft is being supported by the landing gear on the scales. At least one scale may be recessed in the support surface, and the height of each riser may be adjustable.

Abstract: A method and system (10, 23) for determining vehicle weight to a precision of <0.1%, uses a plurality of weight sensing elements (23), a computer (10) for reading in weighing data for a vehicle (25) and produces a dataset representing the total weight of a vehicle via programming (40-53) that is executable by the computer (10) for (a) providing a plurality of mode parameters that characterize each oscillatory mode in the data due to movement of the vehicle during weighing, (b) by determining the oscillatory mode at which there is a minimum error in the weighing data; (c) processing the weighing data to remove that dynamical oscillation from the weighing data; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) until the error in the set of weighing data is <0.1% in the vehicle weight.

Abstract: An industrial pallet/scale including a platform for supporting a load, having at least three load sensors positioned between and in mechanical communication with the platform and ground. The platform is free of a sheer plate assembly in order to minimize weight of the platform. Each load sensor provides weight data responsive to a downward force relayed from the platform. A display unit in electrical communication with the at least three load cells displays text in response to the weight data of each load cell. The industrial pallet/scale optionally includes load sensors having protection means for protecting the load cells. The protection means functions as a support for the platform, which bears the load of the platform in a protective position. The protection means prevents a pressure member of the load cell from contacting the ground. In a weighing position, the pressure member is coupled directly to the ground, such that the load cell of the load sensor bears the load of the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system is provided for treating sewage sludge by heating the same in a container to drive off pathogens and/or pasteurize the sewage sludge while the material is tumbled in the container and with moisture gases being evaporated therefrom and drawn off from the container. After treatment the treated sludge is discharged from the container. There is provided at least one weight-responsive member on which the container is mounted, and a control is provided connected to the one or more weight-responsive member whereby the solids content of the treated material can be determined by measuring the difference in weight of material in the container, before and after moisture is drawn off from the material and prior to its discharge from the drum. The control is preferably effected by means of a computer.

Abstract: An automated waste scaling system and method of weighing and documenting waste data is disclosed. A waste container box is rolled onto an approach ramp of a scaling pod to place each box caster wheel on a weighing area plate. A shear beam load cell beneath each weighing area plate provides a weight reading to a summing box, which combines weight readings to provide total weight. Total weight and other data, such as date and time of weight measurement, can be sent either by hard wiring or wireless technology to a display, printing, or electronic or digital storage device. Overload stops or check rods prevent load cells from being overloaded by weight in excess of load cell capacity. In a three-point scaling system, weight from two box rear wheel casters resting on weighing area plates and a box guide rail resting on a compression pad is combined for total weight.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating weight of a trailer (10) being towed by a tractor (22) along a generally horizontal underlying surface. A portion of the trailer weight is borne on the tractor fifth wheel (26) and the remainder by rear wheels (18) rolling on the underlying surface. The tractor accelerates the trailer from an initial velocity to a final velocity over a time interval that is measured by a timer. The force that the tractor needed to exert on the trailer in order to change the velocity is also measured. Various data, including that force, are processed according to an algorithm to calculate the weight of the trailer by itself. Other data processed includes data (N0) representing the portion of the weight of the trailer borne through the tractor, data representing the change in velocity of propulsion (?v), data representing length of the interval of time (t), and data (?k) representing coefficient of friction of the wheels (18) with the underlying surface.

Abstract: A weighing system has at least one weighing platform receiving a moving load to be weighed, the platform includes at least one scale member connected to at least two approach members, and including at least one ramp member connected to at least one of the approach members. An interface is communicatively connected to the scale member. A controller is connected to the interface. And, a power supply is connected to the interface. Also disclosed is a weighing scale having a rigid pad having a top surface for receiving the load and a bottom surface. A plurality of load cells are included, each having at least two top surfaces and at least two bottom surfaces. A top surface of each load cell is connected at a predetermined location to the bottom surface of the pad. A foot member contacts the ground and is connected to a bottom surface of the load cell. Further disclosed is a load cell having a body defined by first and second sides.

Abstract: This invention provides a housing (60) for a weight sensor (10). The housing (60) is made from fluid-impervious material and is shaped and configured to completely enclose the weight sensor (10) in a fluid tight manner. The housing (60) includes a bottom portion in the form of a weight sensor accessory pad (62). The pad (62) includes a grooved lower surface (64), the grooves (66) being configured to enhance dispersion, in use, of fluids trapped between the pad (62) and a surface on which the pad (62) rests when a downward force is applied to the part (62).

Abstract: A tine mounted weighing scale apparatus includes a pair of weighing scale units, each scale unit having a base mountable on one tine of a lifting device. The base has a predetermined number of load cell mounts each providing a deflection gap between a load cell and the base. A platform for contact with a load is disposed above and in operational contact with the base. A load cell is attached to each of the load cell mounts of the base and is positioned between the base and the platform. Each load cell has an engagement member in operational contact with the platform. An electrical control/display and a power supply is connected to the pair of weighing scale units for displaying the total weight supported by the scale apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle weight measuring structure. The structure comprises a base plate; a plurality of support elements placed on the base plate, each support element having a pair of legs which project downward and are separated from each other by a predetermined distance to be brought into contact with the base plate, each leg having a free end serving as a contact part which possesses a rounded contour; and a structure body horizontally supported by the plurality of support elements in a manner such that an upper surface of the structure body and an upper surface of a road become coplanar, for transferring a load of a vehicle traveling on the road to the support elements.

Abstract: Load cells forming one or more weighing scales are connected to each other and to a common concentrator which communicates to a master controller in the control house via RF wireless communication. The load cells are polled by and provide weight reading to concentrator to the master controller. A digital load cell is used which includes a rocker pin, guided beam, torsion ring or other counterforce, a circuit board mounted on the counterforce and an enclosure sealing the circuit board and all but the load bearing surfaces of the counterforce and a mounded antenna. The circuit board includes a microcomputer and a transceiver. RF communication is provided with the circuit board through a antenna mounted on the enclosure. One or a number of load cells may be connected to a computer or controller to form one or more weighing scales with one or more weighing scales connect to a control house through wireless RF communication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of measuring a weight load of an inflamed leg of a lab animal or a human being objectively and precisely while the lab animal or the human being is walking freely in a non-binding state. A pathway sized depending on a size and a stride of the lab animal or the human being is provided in a weight load measuring apparatus, and a weight sensor is attached to a bottom of the pathway. Thus, artificial operations to be applied to the lab animal or human being walking the pathway can be minimized such that the weight load exerted in the inflamed leg can be measured objectively and precisely with time periods.

Abstract: The current invention involves a method and device of combining vehicle scales platforms to eliminate potential checking interferences. Disclosed is a novel method of combining independent scale platforms enabling independent weighing on each platform and at the same time a singular checking system for the combined scale. It involves utilizing three tie rod type links, which have been used in the past to combine scales longitudinally, and in the new invention, are used in the lateral direction. This reduces the complexity and associated cost of the combined scale checking system and increases the accuracy of said scale system by eliminating potential checking interferences. This is extremely significant in situations where side checking is inconvenient near where two scales connect, or in pit less and above ground scale designs.

Abstract: A load cell and system for detecting the quantity of liquid carbon dioxide in a tank includes load cells positioned between the legs of the tank and a surface. Each load cell includes a frame constructed from a folded metal plate so that a top panel, sides and ends are formed. A beam having proximal and distal ends is suspended from the top panel of the frame by its proximal end and a spacer. A platform support is positioned upon the distal end of the beam with a platform on top. The platform support passes through an opening formed in the top panel of the frame so that the platform is supported above the frame top panel. A leg of the tank is secured to the platform. A strain gauge circuit is mounted to the top surface of the beam and a summary board receives the signals from the strain gauge circuits of multiple load cells so that the quantity of liquid in the tank is determined. This quantity may be displayed and/or transmitted as telemetry to a centralized delivery truck dispatching facility.

Abstract: A weight detecting device for microwave ovens is used to detect a weight of food placed on an exterior casing to minimize a space to install a weight sensor and to prevent heat from being transmitted from an interior casing through a top plate of the interior casing to the weight sensor. The weight detecting device includes a weight detecting unit and a support unit. The weight detecting unit is supported at an end thereof, and detects a weight according to a force applied to a free end thereof. The support unit supports the weight detecting unit at a position spaced apart from a top plate of an interior casing of a microwave oven.

Abstract: A method and a device for weighing the contents of a metallurgical vessel (2), especially the contents of a tundish (3) in a steel continuous casting plant, whereby the vessel is supported on hydraulically actuatable weighing elements serving to increase the measurement precision before and during the metallurgical process and resides in that the filling weight is calculated by computer from hydraulic pressures in cylinder chamber (8a; 9a; 10a; 11a) which are measured deducting the empty weight of the vessel (2) and the friction forces in the cylinder chambers (8a; 9a; 10a; 11a).

Abstract: A modular portable platform scale system includes at least one portable scale platform, and more preferably two side-by-side platforms, detachably connected to and vertically supported by a pair of movable forward and rear ramps. A coupling can be used to connect and support the scale platforms in an end-for-end arrangement to construct longer scales.

Abstract: A weighing sensor including a base (1) fixed to a housing, a load sensor (2) connected to the base in a displaceable manner via two arms (3, 4), a lever system (8 . . . 11) having at least one lever and transmitting the load acting on the load sensor to a transducer (12, 13), and a built-in calibration weight (40) which may be lowered onto a support region (30/38) for checking and/or calibrating the sensitivity of the weighing sensor. The support region is guided in a parallel manner by two additional arms (21, 22) and is connected to a lever (9/39) of the lever system (8 . . . 11) via a coupling element (26). Relatively large loads on the weighing sensor may be simulated with relatively small calibration weights, without the need for complicated lifting devices. The two additional arms (21, 22) are connected on the one hand to the support region (30/38) and on the other hand to the load sensor (2) and are located on the side of the load sensor (2) opposite from the lever system (8 . . . 11).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the weight of each axle of a plurality of rail cars of a railroad train passing over a selected section of a railroad track. The apparatus embodies a measuring device that, when mounted to the selected section of the railroad track, measures strain induced in a portion of the track as the rail car passes over that portion of the track to produce an electrical output which is precisely proportional to the load imposed on the portion of the track as each axle of the rail car passes over the portion of the track. The measuring device of the interfaces with a remotely located data processing subassembly that receives the output from the strain gauges and precisely determines the axle weight therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method capable of measuring a weight load of an inflamed foot of a lab animal objectively and precisely while the lab animal is walking freely in a non-binding state is provided. A pathway sized depending on a size and a stride of the lab animal is provided in a weight load measuring apparatus, and a weight sensor is attached to a bottom of the pathway. Thus, artificial operations to be applied to the lab animal walking the pathway can be minimized such that the weight load exerted in the inflamed foot can be measured objectively and precisely with time periods.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing an annular scale from a measuring strip, the ends of a measuring strip are welded together, and the shortening of the scale-division marks in the joint region caused by the welding operation is compensated by a subsequent rolling operation.

Abstract: A weighing bridge used for weighing of large vehicles. The plate is the part of the weighing bridge onto which the vehicles drive and are parked during the weighing. Apart from the plate, the weighing bridge will also comprise a foundation, weighing cells and other electronic equipment which is necessary for the modern weighing of vehicles, but which together are known in the art. The weighing plate is distinguished in that all exterior surfaces are made from a compact composite material. By not having exterior steel surfaces and also utilising the extremely good durability of the composite material against influences from the environment, this together reduces and in some cases alleviates altogether the need for frequent maintenance works in order to renovate or restore the weighing bridge.

Abstract: A device for controlling a physical system, such as a flow of pedestrians, in an extended area is suggested. In comprises a plurality of identical cell units with preferably hexagonal shape. The cell units are assembled in tile-like manner to form a floor. Each cell unit is equipped with a weight sensor, lamps of different colors, and optical communication ports as well as power connectors for connecting it to its neighboring cells. The cell units can be programmed to generate signals that control the physical system, such as signs understood by the pedestrians. Due to its modularity and simple design, the device is easy to install and maintain.

Abstract: An integrated element scale is provided that can replace an existing support structure within a piece of equipment to achieve a piece of equipment with the integrated scale. The integrated element scale may contain one or more load cells and be configured to replace a standard component used in the assembly of certain types of equipment. The integrated element may include a mechanism to align the load portion and support portion of the element with the load cell or load cells in between them. The integrated element may further include a mechanism for protecting the load cells from damage due to overload or under load as well as side impacts. When higher accuracy is required, the integrated element further may include a mechanism for decoupling the loads within each element from other load cells within the same element or other elements so that horizontal loading between the deflecting load cells does not occur.

Abstract: A scale with sideways ramp (10) having a bottom conveyor (12A) which has a bottom conveyor belt (12AA) rotatably mounted on at least one bottom conveyor bottom spindle (12AB) and on at least one bottom conveyor top spindle (12AC). The bottom conveyor (12A) further has a bottom conveyor left support (12ADA) and a bottom conveyor right support (12ADB) each securely connected at a top end thereto. A bottom end of each of the bottom conveyor left support (12ADA) and the bottom conveyor right support (12ADB) are connected to opposite sides of a bottom conveyor (16). A top conveyor (12B) which has a top conveyor belt (12BA) rotatably mounted on at least one top conveyor bottom spindle (12BB) and on at least one top conveyor top spindle (12BC). The at least one top conveyor bottom spindle (12BB) is rotatably connected to the bottom conveyor top spindle (12AC) by a second motor connector (14B).

Abstract: A tank weighing assembly includes a shear-web load cell in the form of an annular disk, a supporting base plate and components for mounting the load cell in a manner such as to enable compensation for effects of exposure to forces of the wind and thermal expansion. The load cell and a mounting washer each have an axial aperture through which a connecting bolt extends. The bolt has a countersunk head inclined at an angle of 45 to 50 degrees and an adjacent wall has an angle 3 degrees larger. A gap of ⅛th inch on each side of the bolt is provided to allow a small amount of lateral movement. Mating arcuate surfaces at the bottom of the load cell hub and at the top of the mounting washer enable self alignment.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus and a method that features a lifting assembly connected between a calibrated load, having a weight associated therewith, and a frame, to vary an amount of the weight placed on the frame. A load-bearing member is coupled to the frame, and a load sensing system connected to the frame. The load sensing system is connected to sense the variance in the weight of the frame or the load supported by the load-bearing member. The lifting assembly operates to move the calibrated load between first and second positions. In the first position, the calibrated load is positioned spaced-apart from the frame and rests upon a surface to prevent the frame from being subjected to the mass of the calibrated load. Optimally, when placed in the first position, the load sensing system detects no load on the load-bearing member and the frame. In the second position, the calibrated load is positioned proximate to the frame.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring a weight of a deposit that forms on a tube bank independently-suspended by one or more hanger rods within a boiler are characterized by having one or more strain sensors, with each strain sensor affixed to a separate hanger rod. The strain sensors are connected to a logic circuit for reading strain readings from the strain sensors and calculating the weight of the deposit as a function of the strain readings.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for use in combination with a load cell adapted to measure the weight of an object is disclosed. The mounting assembly has a fixed portion (10) that includes a base and a support, and a moveable platform (20) adapted to be supported by the support when in its installation (non-working) position. The platform (20) is further adapted to be raised from its non-working position to a working position by means of a lever, the platform being supported by the load cell in this working position. In a preferred embodiment, a load cell is used as the lever to raise the platform onto the load cell as it is secured to the mounting assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a weight measurement in centrifuges for separating suspensions into their solid and liquid components comprises a machine housing, a drum rotatingly mounted in the machine housing and receiving the suspension, and a filler pipe leading into the drum for feeding the suspension into the drum. The machine housing is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis of rotation, and a force measuring element senses weight-dependent deflections of the machine housing occurring about the axis of rotation and originating from a different degree of filling of the drum with suspension or from a different dewatering of the solid suspension components, and the machine housing deflections are indicated on a measurement value indicator. A pipeline is provided for generating a positive pressure or a negative pressure in the drum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for weighing moving objects wherein at least two measurements are carried out with respect to each object by means of separate weighing machines (1, 2), whereupon an average value is computed by a calculating unit (5) as the result of the weighing operation. The invention is intended for weighing mobile objects, such as vehicles (10) designed for road or rail-bound traffic, or for in-line weighing operations to weigh products on a conveyor belt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately weighing a rail car coupled to other rail cars without uncoupling the rail car to be weighed includes a hydraulically operated positioning device assembly with opposed pushers that can be elevated to hold the axle of a rail car uptrack of the car to be weighed, a scale mounted downtrack of the rail car positioning device, and a car stop mounted downtrack of the scale that can be elevated to block the wheels of a car downtrack of the car being weighed.The rail car positioning device engages the car uptrack of the car to be weighed, moves the car to be weighed over the scale, and, by reversibly moving the car, centers the car over the scale. The car stop then engages the downtrack car to maintain it and other cars coupled to it downtrack in a fixed position during weighing and filling of the car on the scale. The carriage assembly then releases the car on the scale and moves uptrack where it acquires a hold on the next empty car.

Abstract: A dynamometer, which includes a frictional drive assembly for engaging a pair of vehicle tires, and a lift assembly including two air bags for respectively lifting the vehicle tires and the associated portion of the vehicle to a raised position out of engagement with the drive assembly, has a controller operating under stored program control and pressure sensors connected to the controller and in fluid communication with the air bags. The pressures in the air bags when the vehicle is lifted are used to calculate the weight lifted in accordance with a straight-line functional relationship between air bag pressure and vehicle weight lifted for a particular type of air bag. A routine for calibrating the weighing system is also included.

Abstract: This system and method of operation weighs and characterizes a moving vehicle traveling on a roadway. The moving vehicle travels across a weight transducer and first and second switching devices. The transducer provides a first set of output signals indicative of vehicle tire loading. The switching devices provide second output signals indicative of vehicle speed and characterization. Processor means receive the first and second output signals and characterize the vehicle; calculate the vehicle speed and calculate the vehicle weight by integrating the second output signals and combining with the vehicle speed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a food processor (1) with a mixing vessel (6) and a drive mechanism (8) for an agitator (10) in the mixing vessel (6), the lower region of which can be heated. As an improvement on a food processor (1) of this type, it is proposed that a weighing device (16) should be provided and that the weighing device (16) should determine the weight of a mixing pot support (7) including a heating unit (40).

Abstract: An axle load scale with a load signal generation portion having a platform receiving an axle load of a vehicle running for generating a load signal according to the received axle load. The platform being a given size in a running direction of the vehicle and the axle load shows a sinusoidal variation with running of the vehicle The load signal shows a waveform including a top slope reflecting a portion of a waveform of the sinusoidal variation and a net weight of the axle load; a sinusoidal variation prediction portion for predicting the sinusoidal variation from the load signal; and a net axle load prediction portion for predicting and outputting a net axle load value from the predicted sinusoidal variation. The sinusoidal variation prediction portion predicts the waveform of the sinusoidal variation of axle load through detecting a magnitude an inclination of a detected top slope of a pulse of the load signal or the least squaring method.

Abstract: A load measuring system specially adapted for installation on the support legs of existing storage vessels. The load measuring system includes an attachment plate that is fastened to each support leg of the vessel, a support plate that is mounted on anchor bolts projecting upwardly from the supporting surface, and a load cell positioned between the attachment plate and the support plate. The support plate is supported by nuts threaded on respective anchor bolts. The nuts are rotated to raise the lower ends of the support legs above the supporting surface, thereby transferring the portion of the vessel's weight carried by the support leg to the load measuring system. The space between the support plate and the supporting surface is then filled with a supporting material such as concrete.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a hospital bed to enable quick, easy weighing of bedridden patients, provided as a retrofit device for attachment to hospital beds which are not equipped with such devices as original equipment. The device contains a load cell in a housing, with the housing arranged for mounting to a cross-beam of the bed. A retractable support leg extends through the bottom of the housing, and when the bed is raised on the support leg, the load cell is deflected to provide a reading of the bed weight. By performing the weight measurement once without a patient, and keeping track of changes in bed sheets and linens, the value of a patient's weight can be quickly determined while the patient remains bedridden. The mechanism which raises the bed on the support leg can be provided in several embodiments, including an electric motor drive, hydraulic piston, or mechanical foot pedal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single animal weighing apparatus having an external frame supporting by means of a support structure a longitudinally extending load bar and a floating weight crate suspended from the load bar and isolated from the external frame. The support structure of the present invention further enables the use of an auxiliary basket to weigh small animals, the basket being attached to the support structure above the external frame. The present invention further has a pair of gates each having two panels that are each hinged to the external frame and each including a scissors mechanism that is used to open the gate. The gate opening mechanism of each gate is manipulable from either end of the weighing apparatus. To facilitate movement of a weighing apparatus according to the present invention there is a truck provided that is equally attachable to either end of the apparatus.

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.