Abstract: A system for measuring weight of objects using a single load cell means which comprises a pair of structural means having at least four sides and four corners, with pairs of opposed sides being substantially equal in length, a tensioned member positioned at each of said four corners of the structural means and load cell means extending therebetween an generally centrally thereof which is maintained under a predetermined compressive force applied by the structural means.

Abstract: A multi-range load cell scale includes heavy- and light-range load cells. For the load weight below a predetermined value, the scale displays the weight data based on the output signal from the light-range load cell. For the load weight above a predetermined value, the scale displays the weight data based on the output signal from the heavy-range load cell. As for change of the load cell from light-range to heavy-range, when it is detected that the weight data WH based on the output signal from the heavy-range weighing load cell is smaller than the weight data WL based on the output signal from the light-range weighing load cell, weight data equal to the weight data WL at the switching point is displayed, in place of the weight data WH.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the zero point of a weighing machine includes producing, in the form of a digital value, an initial zero-point correction value when the weighing machine is free of a load. The difference value between an unloaded weight value, which is produced by the unloaded weighing machine, and a value obtained by converting the digital value into an analog value, is calculated. The difference value is compared with a preset value, and digital values are sequentially converted in accordance with the result of the comparison operation to render the difference value equal, or nearly equal, to the preset value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination weighing system for non-uniform weight items which comprises a plurality of hoppers that selectively empty by means of gates into a chute, and then usually into a packaging machine. The system further comprises check weighers associated with each hopper and a combination selection and machine control logic which typically receives weight signals from the check weighers and sends discharge signals to predetermined gates so as to combine items in order to achieve a nominal weight between a predetermined minimum weight and maximum weight. The improvement comprises a set point determining circuit which includes logic blocks to establish a changeable set point within the range of the maximum and minimum weights. The logic blocks allow weights below a set weight and/or maintenance of an overall average weight for the output of the system.

Abstract: A balance having a setting means with which the relative precision of the weighing result is to be determined can be set by the user. The balance then adapts automatically to the set relative precision. This adaptation can occur, e.g., in the number of positions displayed, in the step width in the last particular position, in the selection of the integration time, in the filtering of the measured values in the digital signal processing unit, in the frequency of the taking over of the measured value into the display and/or at the time of the emission of the standstill signal or of the measured value release signal.

Abstract: An optical display is provided to guide the operator during metering of a substance to a desired value. The desired value is entered into a computer and the substance to be metered is applied to a balance. The display is in the form of a clock having a coarse and fine indicator hand. During the coarse metering at the start of the metering cycle, the coarse metering hand is rotated at a first rotational speed relative to the metering rate, i.e. the rate at which the substance is being applied to the balance. During the fine metering phase, namely when the weight on the balance approaches the desired weight, either the same or another hand moves at a rotational speed relative to the metering rate which exceeds the first rotational speed, thereby expanding the sector over which the hand moves while a given amount of the substance is being applied. This greatly facilitates the operator's control over the process and decreases the possibilities that excess weight is added.

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.

Abstract: A load cell type weight-measuring device includes a load cell; a test voltage generator for generating a voltage equal to a rated output voltage of the load cell; a zero-point setting circuit; an amplifying circuit; a switching circuit for selectively coupling the load cell and test voltage generator to the amplifying circuit; and a data processing circuit for generating weight data corresponding to an output signal from the amplifying circuit. The amplifying circuit includes a first amplifier of a gain 1 for amplifying an output voltage from the zero-point setting circuit; first and second resistors; and a second amplifier whose first input terminal is connected to an output terminal of the first amplifier through the first resistor and is connected to its own output terminal through the second resistor and whose second input terminal is connected to the switching circuit.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes a plurality of measuring hoppers combined, and measuring means for measuring product to be measured accommodated in the respective measuring hoppers to select a set of a plurality of measured values equal or near to a set weight so as to permit the product of the selected measured values to be exhausted from the hoppers. This invention is intended to improve such a measuring apparatus, particularly a span adjusting mechanism provided at each of a plurality of the measuring hopper by raising or lowering all reference weights at one time. Moreover, the measuring apparatus according to the invention is capable of correcting zero points of the measuring means, while the product to be measured is accommodated in the measuring hoppers and is able to adjust a span which is a ratio of weight to output count of the measuring means in good timing in connection with the hopper selecting operation.

Abstract: There is provided a system for adjusting the span of an electronic scale having a double-integrating A/D converter for converting a weight signal into a digital signal. The double-integrating A/D converter has a software-implemented timer for controlling a primary integrating time. The operation time of the software-implemented timer is adjusted linearly or in steps so that a digital value at the time a weight is placed on the scalepan of the scale will correspond to the weight. The adjustment of the operation time of the software-implemented timer is utilized to adjust the differences between gravitational accelerations corresponding to different weights in geographical areas on the earth.

Abstract: An electronic weight indicator adapted to convert an analog output of a load cell into a digital display which, after initial calibration, automatically corrects for dead load, drift and other calibration errors introduced by the circuitry. The meter can also be programmed to count for creep. The weight indicator employs a microprocessor to control an analog-to-digital converter which converts the analog signal from the load cell to a digital display. The microprocessor employs a unique algorithm permanently retained in an associated memory to correct for drift and compensate for deadload changes and creep. Once calibrated, no further adjustments by the user are required. All adjustments are made automatically, without operator intervention. The weight indicator can be used with any load cell producing an analog signal in response to a force, e.g. a weight on a weighing platform connected to the load cell.

Abstract: A span adjustment method includes applying a known load to a weighing machine and converting an output value from the weighing machine into a digital value by using an analog-to-digital converter. The characteristic of the analog-to-digital converter is sequentially varied automatically by a span adjustment value, which is produced as an output by a control unit, so that the digital value resulting from the analog-to-digital conversion becomes a digital value set in the control unit and conforming to the known load.

Abstract: An electromechanical weighing apparatus is disclosed including a device for correcting the load measurement in accordance with the given gravitational force existing at the geographical place of installation of the weighing apparatus. An adjusting mechanism (6) is used to set various switching states corresponding with given different predetermined gravitational acceleration values, respectively, and a calculator or microprocessor (41)--operable in accordance with the aforementioned switching positions to supply from a storage unit corresponding retrievable gravity values--determines the adjusted gravitational acceleration value that is to be used to modify the measured weight signal to produce a geographically-corrected signal of the mass of the object being weighed that is displayed on the indicating device.

Abstract: Disclosed in a span adjusting device for an automatic weighing apparatus of the type in which the load of a weighing hopper containing articles to be weighed is applied to a corresponding weighing mechanism through means of a support member adapted for supporting the weighing hopper, and in which the weight is derived as the magnitude of the output signal from a displacement sensor provided on the weighing mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic scale is provided with two or more load cells in which the first load cell covers a low load range, and each successive cell covers a greater load range than the preceding cell. The cells are connected mechanically in tandem such that a load on the scales is applied to each cell simultaneously. Electrical signals from each load cell when performing a weighing operation are processed by a microcomputer to digitize the signals and to select the signal coming from the first load cell in the tandem connection which is not overloaded. The microprocessor scales the measurement signal and displays the weight on an alphanumeric readout. Memory circuits are included for storing tare weights and for storing unit weights during counting operations. When a number of units in a group is to be counted, the microprocessor divides a measured weight by the unit weight and outputs the count to the alphanumeric readout display.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with a novel digital multi-point recorder that is microprocessor-controlled and enables impact printing from in back of the recorder paper to provide a front visible flat print-out of pages of on-line running summary data suited for operator viewing in industrial and similar locations, and providing a record for direct use in reports and logs.

Abstract: A bathroom scale which uses an electronic circuit for providing a digital output voltage in response to the placing of a weight thereon, the electronic circuit having operational amplifier circuits which use both a positive power supply and a negative power supply, the latter assuring that the op-amps always return to a stabilized ground reference point to assure repeatability of weight measurement. The unit includes means for permitting the digital output voltage to reach a steady state value during a selected time period after a weight is placed on the scale and for preventing such steady state value from changing after such selected time period. The gain of the op-amp circuitry is adjustable to permit scale calibration to be performed.

Abstract: A circuit for electronic weighing scales, for example, for shifting or switching the circuit between two states and at the same time for de-chattering mechanical contacts, wherein the circuit includes two inverted gates with crossed feedback constituting a flip-flop. A first resistor is connected in the feedback from the output of the second gate to the input of the first gate, and a condenser has one electrode connected to constant potential and another electrode connected to the output of the first gate. A second resistor of high impedance is connected between the condenser and the output of the first gate, and an operating contact is arranged between the second electrode of the condenser and the input of the first gate.

Abstract: A load-monitoring system in a vehicle, which system enables a person located remote from the vehicle, such as the person performing a loading operation, to follow and be aware of the decreasing load-carrying capacity of the vehicle as added load thereon approaches maximum allowable load.

Abstract: A test method for determining the amount of zeolite material in a sample comprising heating a weighed portion of the sample to remove adsorbed water, cooling the heated portion, adding a known quantity of water to the portion, noting the resulting temperature rise and correlating the temperature rise to the amount of zeolite material in the sample. The test can be carried out in the field with a kit which includes a weighing device.

Abstract: An electronic digital readout diet scale including means for accurately detecting and displaying minute changes of weight in a dieter accurate to small fractions of pounds is described. One embodiment comprises a transducer for generating a signal representing the weight of the dieter, and means for storing a signal representing a reference weight for the dieter. These signals are applied to a time gated oscillator whose output in turn is applied to an up-down counter. The counter is responsive to the oscillator output signals to display the dieter's weight or change in weight, and provides a digital display of current weight or weight change. A switching device, either manual or automatic with a time delay, first couples the transducer output to the counter to display the current weight of a user and then couples the storage means to the counter to decrease the displayed weight by the reference weight, whereby the relative change of weight of the user may be displayed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a weighing machine that will indicate weight in any weight system desired utilizing a single graduated scale. A beam is supported by a fulcrum on a stand. A weight pan is hung from the beam on one side of the fulcrum, and a slidable poise of variable weight is carried on the beam on the side opposite the weight pan. A graduated scale is affixed to the beam on the side opposite the weight pan and has its zero in the vertical plane of the fulcrum. The mass and center of gravity of the beam on one side are adjustable to balance with the other side while the poise is at zero and in the vertical plane of the fulcrum. This enables poises corresponding to other weight systems to be attached to the beam without disturbing its equilibrium. Consequently the scale will indicate whatever units the poise is designed for.

Abstract: An analog electrical system utilizes a signal from a coke weighing system and a signal from a coke moisture gauge to correct for prior errors in hopper weighings due to delivery overshoot as well as moisture variations in prior batches of coke.