Abstract: A removable color coded top plate for a commercial food service scale to prevent cross-contamination from weighing different raw foods. A rectangular top plate has a specially shaped slot underneath which removably engages an L-shaped connector rod held vertically on a scale having a weight indicator. The top plate can be made of transparent plastic. A color coding of top plates consisting of red for raw meat, blue for seafood, yellow for poultry, green for produce, tan for cooked meat, and clear for miscellaneous food can be employed. The color-coded top plate can be readily removed when weighing a different food, e.g., chicken after meat, to ensure no cross-contamination between these raw and cooked foods.

Abstract: The invention comprises a weighing scale, comprising a weight-receiving platform and a display device, which is angularly adjustable with respect to the plane of the platform, whereby to provide an optimum viewing angle.

Abstract: A balance has a balance housing (21), an operator console (4), and a pivot arrangement (17, 18, 22) between the balance housing and the operator console. The pivot arrangement works as a hinge, so that the operator console can be tilted about a transverse horizontal axis (A) that runs parallel to the balance housing. From a normal working position, i.e., projecting forward from the balance housing, the operator console can be folded upward into a rest position. The pivot arrangement has a certain amount of loose play in at least one radial direction. The operator console has a tilt-adjustable part (20) and a tilt-angle adjusting device (26, 27, 28, 29) with a secondary transverse tilt axis (B) located in an anterior portion of the operator console. A locking device (30b, 33) serves to secure the tilt-adjustable part in one of at least two selectable tilt-angle positions.

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 pneumatic load measuring device for vehicles having pneumatic or air suspension systems includes a pneumatic pressure gauge calibrated to indicate the weight of the vehicle. The gauge is installed in the cab of the vehicle, where it is visible to the vehicle operator, and is connected to the pneumatic suspension system of the vehicle. The gauge may be calibrated to indicate the weight of the vehicle supported by the air suspension system, either in pounds or using the metric system. The gauge may be marked to indicate the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, if desired, and an adjustable scale may be provided for the cargo weight. The zero point of the adjustable cargo weight scale is positioned opposite the empty weight of the vehicle, so both the cargo weight and total vehicle weight are displayed on a single gauge. A visible and/or audible annunciator may be provided to indicate when the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle has been reached during loading of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drying scale is provided that contains a housing, a weighing system, a scale pan, a carriage, and a radiating source. The weighing system is disposed within the housing for weighing a sample, and a scale pan is operably supported by the weighing system and contains the sample to be weighed. The carriage moves between a loading position, and a radiating source is disposed within said carriage. The carriage exposes the scale pan when said carriage is in the loading position and moves the radiating source over at least part of the scale pan such that the radiates heat and dries the sample when the carriage is in the drying position. Also, the weighing system and the scale pan are fixedly disposed with respect to the housing, and the carriage and the radiating source move relative to the housing between the loading position and the drying position. In addition, a method performed by the drying scale is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-plane scanner having a dual plane scanner with a horizontal window and a vertical window and a load cell/weigh platter weighing apparatus such that the weigh platter itself is a dual plane object with vertical and horizontal sections. The size and orientation of the planes of the weigh platter correspond to the size and orientation of the scan windows of the dual plane scanner, and each plane of the weigh platter has a transparent area (typically central), or “platter window”, corresponding to a respective scan windows of the scanner for allowing transmission of scanned optical beams and optical barcode signals through each of the planes of the weigh platter. The platter is sufficiently rigid to permit accurate weighing whether the object being weighed is placed solely on the horizontal section of the platter or in part on the vertical section. The vertical and horizontal sections of the platter are sealed together to prevent passage of debris therebetween.

Abstract: An electronic scale integrally formed within the housing of computer keyboard. The scale includes an item holder which may be removably attached to a weighing unit mounted in a clearance region located at a rear portion of the keyboard housing. In operation, the weighing unit outputs weight measurement signals along signal lines to one of a variety of processing and/or display devices so that, for example, postage for the item being weighed may be calculated. The electronic scale may also be incorporated within a housing having an attachment device for removably or permanently attaching the housing to any surface desired.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic scale for weighing an object is provided. The scale includes display assembly pivotally connected to a handle assembly for viewing the weight of an object at an optimum viewing angle relative to the eyes of the individual. The object to be weighed being supported on a support member having a hook shaped first end adapted to transfer the force of the object supported thereon to a force sensor contained within the handle assembly and transmitting a value to a micro-controller for generating an alphanumeric readout representing the weight of the object for viewing on an electronic display contained within a display assembly.

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: In an improved postage scale system, soft-selection keys are used for selecting options including shipping service options provided by the system. The display on such a system is adjustable for comfortable viewing thereof. The system is capable of interfacing and communicating with other devices such as a printer, a remote computer, an optical scanner, an integrated circuit (IC) card, etc. Certain data and code for use in the system can be updated by downloading new data and code from IC cards to the system. A security measure is instituted such that, after an update of the data or code, a system user is required to enter a valid authorization number in order to enable the system. Such a measure is, in part, necessary for deterring unauthorized copying of software of the system onto another similar system.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic scale for weighing an object is provided. The scale includes display assembly pivotally connected to a handle assembly for viewing the weight of an object at an optimum viewing angle relative to the eyes of the individual. The object to be weighed being supported on a support member having a hook shaped first end adapted to transfer the force of the object supported thereon to a force sensor contained within the handle assembly and transmitting a value to a micro-controller for generating an alphanumeric readout representing the weight of the object for viewing on an electronic display contained within a display assembly.

Abstract: A fish weighing scale attachment for attachment to a fishing rod for weighing a fish still hooked on the fishing line. The fish weighing scale attachment includes a housing with a channel in a bottom face of the housing. A mounting block is slidably inserted into the channel of the housing. The mounting block has a pair of outwardly extending flexible straps which are coupled to one another. A weighing scale is provided in the housing. The weighing scale has a pivoting weighing arm having a spaced apart pair of upwardly extending fingers. The weighing scale also has a visual display provided on the top face of the housing.

Abstract: A self-service device allowing postal customers to determine the postage fees for letters and small parcels has a weighing scale and also registers the thickness and format size of the mail piece in a simple manner. A receiving chamber for the mail piece sits on the scale and contains sensors for acquiring the thickness and format information.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic balance for use in an explosive environment. The invention calls for an intrinsically safe cable (1) which contains data lines in addition to the voltage supply lines. The data is serially transferred on the data lines.

Abstract: A windscreen for a weighing scale apparatus includes a base, stationary vertical front and rear walls, a horizontal top wall, and a pair of opposed slidable side walls adapted to cooperate with the base, front, rear and side walls to define a weighing chamber containing a weighing pan. Slide means including an upper guide member, a lower guide member and a lower slide member are provided to connect at least one of the side walls with the housing for sliding movement between closed and open positions relative to the housing.

Abstract: A multi-plane scanner having a dual plane scanner with a horizontal window and a vertical window and a load cell/weigh platter weighing apparatus such that the weigh platter itself is a dual plane object with vertical and horizontal sections. The size and orientation of the planes of the weigh platter correspond to the size and orientation of the scan windows of the dual plane scanner, and each plane of the weigh platter has a transparent area (typically central), or "platter window", corresponding to a respective scan windows of the scanner for allowing transmission of scanned optical beams and optical barcode signals through each of the planes of the weigh platter. The platter is sufficiently rigid to permit accurate weighing whether the object being weighed is placed solely on the horizontal section of the platter or in part on the vertical section. The vertical and horizontal sections of the platter are sealed together to prevent passage of debris therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing a person that is confined to a bed that includes a series of modular units for supporting a bed frame and sensors associated with each of the modular units that are capable of performing in combination a weighing function.

Abstract: A portable aircraft weighing scale, comprising:(a) a base having load cell mounting structures;(b) a plurality of shear beam load cells mounted to the base via the mounting structures;(c) a platform for supporting an aircraft wheel or wheel set; and(d) a mechanism for mounting the platform to the load cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring, weighing and counting fish comprising a main body portion having long parallel side edges and short parallel upper and lower edges in a rectangular configuration, the main body portion having a front face and a back face and a slot for the receipt of a slidable member therein, the main body portion also having a recess centrally formed in the upper face thereof in a generally inverted V-shaped configuration with a ledge, the apex of the V being adapted to receive the head of a fish to be measured; a generally rectangular slide member positionable within the slot of the main body portion, the slide member being in a generally L-shaped configuration with a long portion slidably positioned within the slot of the main body portion and with a short portion at right angles with respect thereto adjacent the lower edge of the main body portion adapted to receive the tail of the fish to be measured, the slide member having indicia as to a fish length formed adjacent to the front face thereo

Abstract: A top-loading precision balance with a draft protection device which includes several walls connected to each other at the edges thereof, and a cover which closes the opening defined at the top of the walls. The cover is fastened through a horizontally extending hinge to one of the walls. The hinge of the cover includes a spring which acts against the direction of movement for closing the cover. The spring mounted in the hinge is a torsion spring which is fixed at both ends thereof. The frame forming the bottom of the draft protection device has on its bottom side a groove into which lugs mounted on the balance housing engage when the draft protection device is placed on the balance housing. A spring is fastened at the groove of the frame under the front side of the draft protection device. The spring engages in a groove of one of the lugs.

Abstract: An electronic scale for use in fishing competitions employing a load cell for accurate measurement and including memory for storing and coding measured fish weights. The scale automatically sorts and scrolls through the stored information to display the code and weight of the lightest fish to permit immediate culling of the catch by the user.

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 microwave oven moisture analyzer is provided with an analysis chamber using a V-shaped structure wherein the wings extend from a vertical back wall forwardly and outwardly to the side walls of the oven. The upper edges of the wings also rise as the wings extend, to where at their ends they engage the ceiling of the oven. A roof rests on the wings and slopes downwardly rearwardly. The back wall is shorter than the adjacent wing portions and hence an opening exists from the analysis chamber into the rest of the oven. Air flowing down over the roof creates a venturi effect at the opening to remove air from the analysis chamber. A four point arrangement supports a fiber-glass pad bearing a sample in spaced relation to the floor and the sides of the chamber and below the opening so that moisture evaporated does not have a place to condense before it is removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A pressure compensating device includes a hermetically encapsulated weighing cell for neutralizing an excess pressure or a negative pressure within the encapsulation relative to a surrounding space. A pressure compensating diaphragm is connected to a protective housing in an essentially sealing manner, but without significant resistance and non-deformable relative to an initial tension. The pressure compensating diaphragm is of an extremely flexible material and the surface area thereof is large relative to the dimensions of the encapsulation. The pressure-compensating device preferably is a structural group mounted on the protective housing in which at least one pressure-compensating diaphragm is arranged so as to be protected against mechanical or chemical damage.

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 draft protection device for a precision balance includes a base and a stationary rear wall connected to the base. The top of a front pane is connected through two connecting bars to the rear wall. The draft protection device further includes two sliding doors which are slidably mounted in longitudinal guides in the connecting bars and in the base. Racks are mounted in the areas of the upper edge and of the lower edge of at least one of the sliding doors. Pinions connected to each other through a vertically extending shaft mounted at the rear wall mesh with the racks. The shaft may be driven by an electric drive.

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 balance with a wind guard moved by a motor whereby the position of movable walls of the guard are monitored by a sensor. An electronic memory is provided for the desired end position of the movable wall elements. The desired end position of the removable walls can be stored in this memory in a learning phase and when the walls are opened by the motor, they are opened only up to a preselected position. This minimizes the time for opening and closing the weighing area and diminishes exposure to air turbulence within the weighing area.

Abstract: A load cell weighing apparatus (1) includes a base (7) and a load plate (11) and a load cell (9) mounted between the two. The base (7) includes four load arrestors (17) capable of precise adjustment. Each load arrestor (17) has a pin support (18) with three vertical holes (19) of different depths and a pin (21) which is placed in one of the holes (19). The load arrestors (17) prevent damage to the load cell (9) by limiting vertical movement of the load plate (11) with respect to the base (9). The amount of relative movement is easily and quickly adjusted by simply repositioning the pins from holes of one depth to holes of another depth.

Abstract: An electronic balance with a housing, a balance scale, a wind guard which at least partially surrounds the balance scale and with a display and control unit approximately in the plane of the balance scale. The display and control unit is mounted to the hosing in a manner that it can pivot around the wind guard about at least one vertical axis. This allows the balance to better adapt to various work positions of the operator. Further possibilities of adaptation result from the weighing-area opening of a rotationally symmetrical wind guard which opening can be adjusted as desired and also from the possibility of laterally shifting the display and control unit and/or from the possibility of rotating it about a vertical axis within the display and control unit and/or from the possibility of tilting it about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: An electronic weighing apparatus includes a housing; a central opening formed in the upper face of the housing; a load cell instaled in the housing for detecting the weight of an article; and a scale pan which is made of an insullated material and mounted on the load cell under the central opening of the housing so that the article to be weighed can be placed on the scale pan for weighing purposes. A power-driven conveyor is mounted to the scale pan near the central opening of the housing so that articles to be weighed can be quickly weighed on the power-driven conveyor when conveyed over the central opening by means of the power-driven conveyor.

Abstract: A draft protection device for a precision balance including an exposed weighing dish. The device includes at least two hollow bodies of similar shape which can be telescopically slid one into the other. The hollow bodies are maintained in the desired position by a self-locking intermediate ring placed on the inner second hollow body.

Abstract: A hinged dust cover used in combination with an electronic balance whereby the cover converts to an air screen during weighing operations. In the fully closed position the cover protects the weighing pan and various controls and displays from the ingress of dust and other contaminants as well as inadvertent operation. In the fully open position full access by the balance's operator is available to the weighing pan and controls. In the cover's intermediate position, the cover forms an enclosure about the weighing pan thereby isolating the weighing pan and mass being weighed from dust and air movement while at the same time making the various controls fully available to the balance's operator.

Abstract: A hinged dust cover used in combination with an electronic balance whereby the cover converts to an air screen during weighing operations. In the fully closed position the cover protects the weighing pan and various controls and displays from the ingress of dust and other contaminants as well as inadvertent operation. In the fully open position full access by the balance's operator is available to the weighing pan and controls. In the cover's intermediate position, the cover forms an enclosure about the weighing pan thereby isolating the weighing pan and mass being weighed from dust and air movement while at the same time making the various controls fully available to the balance's operator.

Abstract: A manual combinatorial weighing apparatus having one or more weighing devices housed in a casing with each weighing device having a scale plate for placing articles thereon, and indicators associated with the weighing devices for indicating selected weighing devices. As many weighing devices in casings as desired by the user are provided in a desired layout. Weight data items of the articles put on the scale plates are combined to find a weight combination giving a desired total weight. The selected weighing devices are indicated by the indicators, which are held energized until the articles are removed from the selected weighing devices.

Abstract: An electronic microbalance shielded against static effects by surrounding the balance pan with a glass or plastic material which has an electrically conducting antistatic surface on the shield.

Abstract: A weighing scales structure comprising an elongate unitary tension rod having an elongate reaction end portion with inner and outer ends and a force-transmitting coupling part at its outer end, an elongate working end portion with inner and outer ends and a force-transmitting coupling part at its outer end, a central elongate elastic portion extending between and integrally joined with the inner end portions of the reaction and working portions; and, a plurality of strain gauges fixed to the elastic portion. The scales next include an elongate housing freely engaged about the central elastic portion and the inner end of the working end portion and releasably clampingly engaged with and about the inner end portion of the reaction portion. A circuit board and a battery power supply are mounted within the housing. The circuit board carries a bridge circuit in which the strain gauges are connected and a light emitting digital readout device which is visible through a window in the housing.

Abstract: A wind guard for a balance is suggested which consists of at least two cylindrically curved wall elements, in which each wall element is connected to a corresponding segment of the circular covering surface. In this manner, the balance scale is readily accessible both from the side and also from above when the wind guard is open.

Abstract: In an analytical balance with scale on top with a scale carrier which is directly operatively connected to the measured value receiver, with a balance scale disk (6) which rests in a removable manner on the scale carrier, with a weighing chamber which surrounds the balance scale disk (6), the scale carrier and the measured value receiver, with a weighing chamber lock which constitutes the communication between the weighing chamber and the environment and which consists of two sets of closing doors or elements located in a vertically displaced manner in the form of a lock and with a transport device which can move the balance scale between a weighing position on the scale carrier and a loading position outside of the weighing position on the scale carrier and a loading position outside of the weighing chamber, the two closing elements of the weighing chamber lock are located above one another. The lower closing element consists of at least one level, horizontal plate which can be shifted in the plate plane.

Abstract: A precision balance including sliding side doors and an upper cover forming the weighing chamber of the balance. The side doors and the cover can be moved individually or coupled together either manually or driven by a motor. Side parts of the support member form the connection between the side doors and the upper cover. In addition, the side doors are connected to each other by means of a plate extending underneath the weighing chamber and the balance housing. The connection between the movable parts is effected by means of sliding bolts provided in handles. The individual sliding bolts facilitate a coupling between the sliding side doors and/or the cover. The plate extending under the weighing chamber facilitates a connection of the two side doors so that the latter can be moved simultaneously either with or without the upper cover.

Abstract: In a balance, having a top mounted scale that is protected by a box-like structure (2) consisting of glass, is set on the housing base (1) of the balance. The box-like structure encloses a weighing area (5) on all sides around the balance scale (28) of the housing base (1). The front side of the structure (2), which faces the display and operating console (3), forms a load carrying vertical pane (6) consisting entirely of glass which is connected to a glass back wall (7) by at least one holding and guide track (15, 16) which runs from the upper edge of the front pane to the upper edge of the back pane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing, limiting the weighing area (5) at the top. The two side walls of the structure (2) are constructed as all-glass sliding doors (8, 10) which are guided at the bottom in the housing base (1) and at the top as bent side extensions (9, 11) in the associated guide and holding track (15, 16).

Abstract: In an electronic balance for application in potentially explosive areas, the weighing system, the electronic evaluation unit and the digital display unit have an intrinsically safe design with regard to the possibility of explosions. All lead connections are supplied with low voltages and the power unit when present is located outside the electronic balance and connected to the electronic balance via an explosion-safe lead and plug connections with an intrinsically safe design with regard to an explosion. In an alternative the power unit can be encapsulated in a pressure-proof manner, powder-filled, force-ventilated or located outside the potentially combustible gaseous explosive area. It is also contemplated that a battery which is intrinsically safe with regard to explosions can also be used in the housing of the electronic balance instead of a separate power unit.

Abstract: Slots are provided in at least one wall or surface common to the weighing chamber and the chamber housing the weighing mechanism. These slots are located so that air currents streaming through them will not affect the weighing dish and thereby the measured results. The slots are preferably located in the bottom near the front wall or the rear wall of the weighing chamber. The air currents can then effect rapid temperature and pressure compensation.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus of the type which weighs articles through use of a load cell having strain gauges attached thereto, the apparatus including a sealed vessel filled with a liquid of a specific gravity greater than unity for housing the load cell which is immersed in the liquid, a diaphragm provided on the sealed vessel so as to close an opening formed in a portion of the vessel, a supporting member for supporting a container carrying the articles to be weighed, and a connecting member for mechanically connecting the supporting member with a load-receiving portion of the load cell through the intermediary of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for improving the weighing accuracy of sensitive automatic balances when weighing heated substances. This is accomplished by substantially eliminating or reducing convection currents from interfering with and fluctuating the weight being sensed. An air barrier shield is used to cover the balance plate without contacting or touching the balance, thereby eliminating convection air currents from interfering with the movement of the balance. The air barrier is permeable to microwave radiation and capable of absorbing moisture and other volitilized substances while being substantially impermeable to air currents. Glass fiber matting or padding is particularly useful for forming the air barrier enclosure. The invention is particularly applicable to analytical determinations which require microwave heating of the substance to remove volatiles and the requirement to accurately and sensitively weigh the substances while still hot using an electrical balance.

Abstract: A bending force receiver has a bending rod which is supported in a main bearing and has a force introduction location. Strain gauges are mounted on the bending rod in a region between the main bearing and restraining means limiting axial movement of the bending rod due to an applied force. This region is enclosed by a casing. The bending rod projects from the casing at the main bearing in the form of an elastically bendable cantilever arm including the force introduction location. The free end of the cantilever arm co-operates with an overload abutment.