Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multiple range load cell capable of automatically switching measuring range and method for operating the multiple range load cell.

Abstract: The present invention discloses that the weighing of produce sliced by a slicer needs to be weighed in order to meet the desired amount of sliced product. In an improvement of the art, the platform for catching slices of produce is also the platform of a scale positioned directly underneath the platform. In addition, automatic stop can be used to allow for automatic slicing of a desired amount of product.

Abstract: A food processing machine includes a slicing device, a slicing conveyor, a classifier device, and an exposed load cell device. The slicing device is adapted to slice a food product. The slicing conveyor is adapted to move the food product sliced by the slicing device. The classifier device is adapted to classify the food product sliced by the slicing device. The exposed load cell device is adapted to weigh the food product sliced by the slicing device. The exposed load cell device is located between the slicing conveyor and the classifier device. The exposed load cell device is permanently exposed providing accessible cleaning.

Abstract: Automatic calibration process for electronic grinder-doser apparatuses of coffee in beans provided with an electronic weighing device directly connected to the logic control unit of the apparatus, wherein the grinding times necessary for obtaining the requested dose weight in grams of ground coffee are pre-set, the process being aimed at periodically checking the quantity of coffee actually ground, re-calculating and re-setting the grinding times in the logic unit. The process particularly comprises a first phase (Phase A) of start, a second phase (Phase B) of sampling by multiple short and long detections, a third phase (Phase C) of processing by compensation calculation and a fourth phase (Phase D) of self-adjustment, the second, third and fourth phases (Phases B-D) being totally automatic, that is to say, being sequentially carried out by the electronic grinder-doser apparatus as automatic procedures by the logic control unit.

Abstract: A load-weighing assembly has a substantially laterally-extending beam-type load-weighing platform, and a substantially laterally-extending cantilever-type fork blade member located beneath the platform, interconnected by a load weight-measuring cell. The weight measuring cell is laterally movable with respect to at least one of the platform and blade member during an initial part of a load weighing process so as to minimize transmission of lateral force between the platform and the weight-measuring cell, thereby compensating for load-weighing errors which would otherwise occur.

Abstract: A weighing device includes: a weighing cell which weighs an article and outputs an original signal corresponding to the weight of the weighed article; a filter unit which performs a filtering process on the original signal output from the weighing cell; a controller which makes a waveform of a weighing signal subjected to the filtering process be displayed on a touch panel; and a storage unit which stores at least one of the original signal and the weighing signal, wherein the controller predicts and generates the waveforms of a plurality of weighing signals in a case of performing a plurality of filtering processes having different characteristics on the original signal or the weighing signal stored in the storage unit, and makes the waveforms of the plurality of weighing signals be displayed on the touch panel.

Abstract: For measuring tensile and/or compressive loads force measuring systems are provided for measuring a tensile and/or compressive load of a structure have a first force measuring sensor assigned to the structure, and a second force measuring sensor assigned to the structure. To provide a force measuring system that enables high measuring accuracy, the first and the second force measuring sensor differ in such a way, that the first force measuring sensor is designed to measure a nominal load range, and the second force measuring sensor is designed to measure a sub-range of the nominal load range.

Abstract: A wireless, sterilizable scale comprising a moving module, on which an animal sits or explores, and a fixed module that measures the weight of the animal on the moving module. The fixed module comprises a compliant membrane or gasket, through which the weight of the moving modules and animal is mechanically coupled. The fixed module comprises three load cells arranged in a triangle so as to support the moving module, through the membrane, such that its tilt is limited. The fixed module is sealed by the membrane and comprises the load cells, batteries and electronics. The fixed module, including an internal moving platform, may be chemically sterilized. The moving module may be sterilized using heat sterilization. IR communication transmits a series of weight values at two different data rates. The scale may be in a sterile cage free of electrical penetrations. A system comprises a vivarium comprising such cages.

Abstract: A system and related methods for preventing back injury involving backpacks, wherein a weighing feature is provided for weighing the payload of the backpack and determining whether the payload is above a predetermined weight limit, and an alarm (e.g. audio, visual and/or tactile) is provided for alerting a user and/or a guardian that the weight of the payload is too great and must be reduced prior to safely carrying the backpack.

Abstract: A load cell includes a first element, a second element and a sensor measuring force between the first and second elements along a first axis. In some embodiments, lateral and angular decoupling is provided by the provision of a convex surface between the first and second elements. The convex surface is slidable relative to at least one of the first and second elements in a first direction perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A load cell includes a first element, a second element and a sensor measuring force between the first and second elements along a first axis. In some embodiments, lateral and angular decoupling is provided by the provision of a convex surface between the first and second elements. The convex surface is slidable relative to at least one of the first and second elements in a first direction perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A foot assembly for a weighing scale comprises a base, a ring arranged in coaxial spaced relation to the base; and a plurality of deformable compensation beams projecting outwardly from a portion of the base so as to support the ring.

Abstract: A weighing device for the determination of weight of a fiber material is provided. The weighing device includes multiple weighing arms. Each of the weighing arms is pivotably supported on one end. Also, each of the weighing arms is supported on an opposite end by a weighing element. The weighing arms are configured for supporting and transporting the fiber material. The weighing element provides a signal for the determination of weight of the fiber material.

Abstract: An electronic balance is provided in which influences due to a four-corner error can be eliminated from an indicated value of weighing without strictly conducting mechanical adjustment, so that correct indication can be always performed. As means for attaining the object, a dish support 2 interposed between a weighing dish 3 and a load detecting mechanism 1 is configured by four cantilever beams 2a to 2d which respectively elongate in four directions, the weighing dish 3 is supported by the vicinities of tip ends of the cantilever beams 2a to 2d, and deflection amount detecting means 5a to 5d for respectively detecting deflection amounts of the cantilever beams 2a to 2d are disposed. The position of the center of gravity of a load on the weighing dish 3 is calculated by using outputs of the deflection amount detecting means 5a to 5d.

Abstract: An electronic balance is provided in which influences due to a four-corner error can be eliminated from an indicated value of weighing without strictly conducting mechanical adjustment, so that correct indication can be always performed.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for weighing a flowable material being conveyed along a distribution system from a source downstream towards a user location, comprises a product carrying surface which has an upstream end and a downstream end, a first axis extending from the upstream end in the intended direction of product flow, and side walls upstanding on the product carrying surface. A base is also provided for supporting the product canying surface. A support supports the product carrying surface on the base to allow flexing of the downstream end of the product carrying surface in a vertical direction about a second axis extending transversely of the first axis, in response to weight of product on the product carrying surface. A load cell monitors the amplitude of flexing of the product carrying surface and provides a signal representative of the weight of the product on the surface in dependence on the amplitude.

Abstract: A low profile weighing scale for weighing and balancing aircraft and land vehicles. The electronic, strong, lightweight, economical and portable scale provides accurate and reliable results.

Abstract: A weight measuring apparatus comprising a plurality of load sensors, together with an input network, a multiplexer, a reference, an analog to digital converter, and a processor, wherein the input network includes an analog summing network and direct sensor connections to the multiplexer. The multiplexer is arranged to permit measurement of the sum signal, a reference signal, and each direct load sensor signal in a prescribed sequence. The multiplexed signals are converted to digital and processed to derive a weight estimate based on the multiplexed measurements and a system error model. The prescribed measurement sequence permits measurement of the sum signal more frequently than each of the direct signals. A method is described for deriving correction factors for the error model comprising the placing of calibration weights primarily on each weight sensor and solving the system of simultaneous equations for the resulting correction factors.

Abstract: A weight measuring apparatus comprising a plurality of load sensors, together with an input network, a multiplexer, a reference, an analog to digital converter, and a processor, wherein the input network includes an analog summing network and direct sensor connections to the multiplexer. The multiplexer is arranged to permit measurement of the sum signal, a reference signal, and each direct load sensor signal in a prescribed sequence. The multiplexed signals are converted to digital and processed to derive a weight estimate based on the multiplexed measurements and a system error model. The prescribed measurement sequence permits measurement of the sum signal more frequently than each of the direct signals. A method is described for deriving correction factors for the error model comprising the placing of calibration weights primarily on each weight sensor and solving the system of simultaneous equations for the resulting correction factors.

Abstract: In an elevator hitch load weighing assembly, a load cell provides an analog load signal to a summer 12, where an analog tare compensation signal is subtracted from the load signal prior to a compensated load signal being provided to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 20; the digital load signal is provided to a remaining tare subtractor 26 where tare remaining in the digital load signal is subtracted and a payload provided.

Abstract: A weighing machine has a weighing conveyor with a conveyor belt supported by a load cell and uses a digital filter to eliminate high-frequency components of weight signals from the weighing conveyor. In order to improve accuracy of measurement, operating conditions of the digital filter are set with regard to the length of the object to be weighed. Alternatively, time required for the object to be completely on the conveyor belt may be calculated or the timing for the zero-point adjustment for the load cell may be adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A method of changing the sensitivity of a transducer includes applying to the transducer a cyclic excitation signal. The excitation signal has a number of recurring phases of different amplitudes. The transducer's output signal has a like number of recurring phases, each of which corresponds to a phase of the excitation signal. One of the phases of the output signal is selected for data acquisition. Selection of a different phase changes the effective measuring range of the transducer. Preferably, the excitation signal is an a.c. signal, and the output signal is partially demodulated as part of the selection of a phase for data acquisition.

Abstract: A postage scale (1) and method of operation. The scale has two or more modes (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3) of operation. In a first mode the scale outputs the weight of an item to within a first, coarse increment. In a second mode (M.sub.2), the scale outputs the weight of an item to within a second, fine increment. In one embodiment, a third mode (M.sub.3) is selected with a coarse increment depending on the type of carrier and item weight.

Abstract: A zero-point calibration system in a combination weighing apparatus which has buckets storing masses subject to selection in combination processing and including only weighing buckets, only auxiliary buckets or both of them, the system comprising: means for detecting a timing at which a number of buckets subject to selection in the next cycle becomes definite; another means calculating the number of buckets from which the masses are discharged in the next cycle, by computing possible combinations of selected buckets, based on the timing detected by the detecting means; a further means effecting a predictive calculation of a number of buckets from which the masses have been discharged at the latest cycle and which are subsequently subject to selection in the cycle after the next cycle, based on the number of buckets calculated by the combination calculating means; and a still further means changing states of buckets from their inactive states for blank weighing in zero-point calibration into their operative st

Abstract: A load cell weighing apparatus comprising a load cell for generating an output voltage corresponding to load weight, an amplifier section for amplifying the output voltage of the load cell, an analog/digital converter for periodically converting the output voltage of the amplifier section to digital data, a processing unit for converting the digital data to weight data based on the amplification factor of the amplifier section and producing display data representing the weight data on a scale of a corresponding weighing range, and a display for displaying the display data supplied from the processing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-motion weighing is effectuated by a load cell combined with a means to filter the output thereof and apply the product to a programmable gain amplifier. The programmable gain amplifier's output is filtered and applied to a microprocessor which automatically regulates the programmable gain amplifier according to algorithms which results in an educable system responsive to basic operator initiation commands for determing and setting automatic in-motion weighing functions. Digital filter techniques are use to enhance overall system tolerances.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus comprising a first self-contained weighing device (1) including a first farme (2), a first load-receiving member (5) connected by a parallel guide arrangement for movement from a normal no-load position relative to the first frame, a load-responsive device (10) for indicating the magnitude of an applied load as a function of the movement of the first load receiving member, and a first motion-transmitting lever (7) connected between the first load receiving member and the position-responsive device, characterized by the provision of a second load receiving member (16,28) to which the load to be measured is applied, and a second pivotally mounted motion-transmitting lever (17,30) connecting the second load receiving member, thereby to provide a resultant load range that is higher than that of the first weighing device. Thus, various increased load ranges may be achieved starting from a standard self-contained weighing apparatus.

Abstract: Electronic weighing device adapted particularly to be mounted in a personal weighing scale and comprising a capacitative collector (C1) forming a measuring condenser whose capacity varies as a function of the weight to be measured and which has for this purpose a first electrode (10) connected mechanically to a weighing platform (12) and a second electrode (14) mounted fixedly in the casing. The measuring condenser is connected to a measuring circuit, which comprises: a reference condenser (C0) mounted in series with the measuring condenser (C1), each of these condensers having an electrode (14, 16) connected to a terminal (18) common to the two condensers and an electrode (20, 10) connected to an external non-common terminal (22, 24).

Abstract: A scale utilizes a plurality of load cells positioned beneath a weighing platform for determining the weight of objects placed upon the platform. During a weighing operation, each load cell generates a voltage proportional to the response of said cell to the application of a weight to the platform. Each such generated voltage is transmitted serially through a multiplexer and is converted to a digital value by an analog-to-analog converter. These digital values are employed by a microprocessor to determine the weight of the object placed on the weighing platform. The scale is calibrated by weighing a test weight in a plurality of different locations on the weighing platform, and utilizing the individual digital values thus obtained for each load cell in a plurality of simultaneous equations, which are then solved in the microprocessor to provide constant values associated with each load cell, which are used in subsequent weighing operations.

Abstract: Electronic weighing apparatus includes an adjusting arrangement for vertically adjusting relative to the scale frame at least one of the resilient bending bearings that supports one end of a guide member of the parallelogram arrangement that guides the load receiver for vertical movement relative to the frame. Preferably, the adjusting device includes a cantilevered resilient auxiliary guide plate arranged in parallel relation between the upper guide member and the frame; the upper guide member being arranged in a recess contained in the adjacent surface of the guide plate. At its end, adjacent the load receiver, the cantilevered guide plate is connected with the frame. At its opposite end, the guide plate extends in spaced relation to the frame, an adjusting screw being provided for vertically adjusting the opposite end portion relative to the frame as well as the bending bearing associated therewith.

Abstract: A combinational weighing system including a plurality of weighing machines each comprising a weighing hopper (20) and an associated hopper module (22) arranged to provide a measurement of the weight of the contents of the associated hopper (20); a plurality of channels (14) via which articles are respectively fed from a common source (17) directly into each of the hoppers (20); a central control (76) for utilizing the weight measurements provided by the hopper modules (22) to select from the hoppers (20) a number of hoppers (20) whose contents have a total weight substantially equal to a target weight; and the selected number of hoppers (20) discharging into a collection chute (24) to feed a batch of articles of substantially the target weight to a collection point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital scale, in which an analog output signal of a weighing cell is converted in an analog/digital converter into a digital signal. The digital signal is applied to a microprocessor, which compares it with a zero value, derives the weight to be displayed from the comparison and causes it to be displayed in a display device. At regular time intervals, a clock transducer turns the weighing cel on and stores the thus received output signal of the weighing cell in memory in alternation. The output signal most recently ascertained and stored memory is compared with the stored output signal ascertained one time interval previously and, and if the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold is displayed in the display device.

Abstract: A zero-point adjustment unit for a weighing device is comprised of a rough adjustment circuit, a fine adjustment circuit and a central processing unit. The central processing unit adjusts the zero-point of the weighing device by receiving a no-lead weight signal outputted from the weighing device and controls the output signals from the rough and fine adjustment circuits.

Abstract: The present invention is a multiple range electronic weigh scale which employs a single load cell and selectable amplifier gain. A more sensitive range would employ a higher gain amplification than a less sensitive range. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the amplified load cell signal is applied to an analog to digital converter and the digital output is applied to a microprocessor. The microprocessor enables selection between the weight ranges based upon the relationship of the digital output to upper and lower limit values. The microprocessor also generates the output weight signal for display based upon the product of the digital output and the selected gain. In a further embodiment the microprocessor generates a digital offset signal which is applied to the inverting input of a differential amplified via a digital to analog converter. This permits the starting point of the most sensitive range of the electronic weigh scale to be adjusted to any desired point in the higher range.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electronic balance with a scale on top, a balance scale, a balance scale carrier, two identical guide rods (7,8) which connect in an articulated manner the balance scale carrier and the balance scale in the form of a parallel guide to a system carrier (1/5) fixed to the housing and with at least one corner-load adjustment lever (22') which is connected to the system carrier via a thin area (24) and which carries a support point in the vicinity of this thin area (24) for the end of a guide rod (7) on the system carrier that the corner-load adjustment lever (22') is bent at right angles between the support point of the guide rod (7) and the thin area (24) to the system carrier (1,5) in such a manner that the moving joint (17) of the guide rod (7) and this thin area (24) are at the same height.

Abstract: An automatic span adjusting device incorporated in a weigher for correcting deviation of the weight signal provided by the weigher from the true weight of product being weighed by the weigher, the device including a memory storing weight values of a plurality of reference weights for span correction and means for automatically reading one of the stored weight values from the memory to provide it for calculating a span correction coefficient.

Abstract: A load is applied simultaneously to a plurality of load cells having mutually different optimal weighing ranges and connected to each other, so that load data are obtained individually from such load cells. The data of the weighed load are processed for prevention of display blinking, and the output of the load cell selected with respect to a predetermined switchover point on the basis of the processed load data is displayed, whereby the data once displayed is kept free from blinking to eventually realize a stable display state.

Abstract: Precision balance including a weighing dish supported by a support member which is guided by means of guide arms in such a way that weighing dish performs essentially a vertical movement during weighing. The spacing between the ends of the guide arms is effected by means of a differential screw which changes the width of a slot formed in the frame of the balance. A V-shaped insert is placed in the slot. The insert has linear contact with the sides of the slot. When the portion of the frame located above the slot is being bent by the differential screw, an exactly defined bending line is ensured.

Abstract: A combinational weighing system with a plurality of weighing devices employs at least three central processing units such as microprocessors. One keeps monitoring the weight information from the weighing devices and analyzes stability of weight data. Another one controls the charging and discharging of the weighing devices. The third performs combinational computation to select a combination. The system has increased flexibility regarding operation and adjustments, and allows efficient methods of zero-point and span adjustment of weighing devices. Its compact unitized input-output unit allows the user to operate the system interactively.

Abstract: An electronic balance having a stored setup routine for defining scale operating parameters. An indicating device, which may be interchangeably connected to a plurality of weighing platforms, is responsive to an identifying connector to select from a memory operating parameters related to an operational characteristic of the weighing platform during the setup routine. A plurality of multi-function manually actuated buttons permit user selection of operating parameters during the setup routine. A sealable switch is used to restrict access to the setup routine. The balance operates in weighing or parts counting modes and can display weight in the parts counting mode. The balance can also provide a user with an indication of whether a dead-load or span adjustment is necessary.

Abstract: A precision balance in which the fastening surface (56) for an upper guide arm (22) is fastened to a housing (42) which, by means of a pair of parallel levers (48,50) is vertically movable along the side wall (24) of the balance (18). The movement is effected by means of an adjusting element which engages in a conical slot (60) defined between the upper movable portion of the housing (42) and a bearing face (64) which is arranged immovable relative to the balance (18).

Abstract: A method for fast weighing on an electronic scale is disclosed. Periodic samples are taken of the weight of an object placed upon the scale, and succeeding samples are compared for similarity within a given tolerance. The overall range of the scale is divided into various regions based upon frequency of use and reliability of readings. Fewest readings are required for that scale region of most frequent use and greatest reliability, thereby minimizing the time required for completing the weighing of objects with weights falling within that region.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable wheel scale assembly which comprises a lightweight, low profile housing structure having an interiorly disposed opening with a bottom surface. The housing structure has opposing parallel bearing surfaces therein and at least one load cell assembly with strain gauges. The load cell assembly further has opposing bearings for engaging the bearing surfaces in the housing and it is constructed and arranged to directly receive a load force at a predetermined area. A load cell retaining structure having vertically movable flexible members is provided for restraining the lateral movement of the load cell within the wheel scale housing and for placing a minimum pre-load force on the load cell. The load cell retaining structure is further constructed and arranged to have opposing rigid securement members to restrain the movement of the load cell bearings on the bearing surfaces within the scale housing.

Abstract: A multi-range load cell weighing scale includes a load receiving pan provided at the top of a casing, a high-range load cell disposed in the casing for a high range of weight determination, and a low-range load cell disposed in the casing for a low range of weight determination in a substantially horizontally juxtaposed relation to the high-range load cell. The low-range load cell has one end connected to one end of the high-range load cell. The other end of the high-range load cell is supported on the bottom of the casing, while the other end of the low-range load cell defines a load support on which the pan is supported. The load to be weighed bears on the two load cells simultaneously. The scale enables a wide range of highly accurate weight determination, despite its use of inexpensive load cells.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the improved operation of an electronic computing scale provides significantly increased resolution in a first weight sub-range (0-12 pounds in the illustrative embodiment). A coarser resolution is provided in a second weight sub-range (11-100 pounds). The raw load cell voltage is communicated along first and second branches, and subjected to a different transformation in each branch to produce first and second transformed voltages. In the first branch, raw voltages corresponding to weights in the low sub-range are mapped onto a desired sub-range of voltages. In the second branch, raw voltages corresponding to weights in the high sub-range are mapped onto a second sub-range of voltages. Depending on the weight on the scale, one or the other of the transformed voltages is applied to the ADC input terminal, and the digital output is scaled accordingly. The circuitry includes a range flag and logic circuitry for sensing the digital ADC output, and controlling the range flag.

Abstract: An automatic span adjusting device incorporated in a weigher for correcting deviation of the weight signal provided by the weigher from the true weight of product being weighed by the weigher, the device including a memory storing weight values of a plurality of reference weights for span correction and means for automatically reading one of the stored weight values from the memory to provide it for calculating a span correction coefficient.

Abstract: A toggle-type adjustment device is provided for allowing very fine adjustments of the position of at least one flexure mounting in a weighing scale.

Abstract: A load cell scale includes a memory for storing span data, a weight data generating circuit for generating weight data corresponding to load weight, and a data processing unit for generating weighing data on the basis of the weight data and span data. The scale further includes first and second keys, and a nonvolatile memory having first and second memory areas. The data processing unit responds to the operation of the first key to store, as zero-point data, the weight data from the weight data generating circuit, into the first memory area of the nonvolatile memory. The data processing unit further responds to the operation of the second key to store, into the second memory area of the nonvolatile memory, the difference between the zero-point data and the weight data from the weight data generating circuit. The difference data is used as span data.

Abstract: A differential spring mechanism is provided for allowing very fine adjustments of the position of at least one flexure mounting in a weighing scale. Most of the motion of a control device is absorbed by a first relatively weak spring, leaving only a relatively small portion of that motion to be absorbed by a second relatively strong spring to which the flexure mounting is connected.

Abstract: An arrangement comprises a hinge (4) positioned in the lowest region of the front surface at a front opening (2) in a heating chamber (1), a door (3) swingable around the axis of the hinge (4), and a weight detecting section (11) provided on the hinge (4) of the door (3) for detecting the weight of a heating load (20) by converting deformation produced by the load into an electric signal, wherein the weight of the heating load (20) placed on the door (3) when the latter is opened is detected by the weight detecting section (11). Accurate weight detection is possible no matter where the heating load (20) may be placed on the door (3). Tare subtraction weight detection is possible by utilizing a microcomputer. Further, it is also possible to automatically control heating operation in association with weight detection.