Abstract: Arrangement for obtaining information about an occupying item of a seat having a seat portion and a back portion. The arrangement including a distance-determining sensor arranged in the back portion of the seat and enabling the determination of the distance between the occupying item and the back portion, an angle sensor arranged in connection with the seat for detecting an angle between the back portion and the seat portion, and a seat displacement sensor arranged in connection with the seat for detecting longitudinal displacement of the seat. Additional sensors systems can be used to provide additional information about the occupying item, such as a weight sensing system arranged in connection with the seat for measuring weight applied to the seat by the occupying item and one or more wave-based, capacitance or electric field sensor systems arranged to provide information about the position of the occupying item.

Abstract: Method and system for the weighing of sheets (6) of wood material on a sheet forming line, on which line the sheets are carried on a conveyor from a sheet forming apparatus and cooled down in a cooling turn gear comprising a cooling wheel (3) provided with radial supporters (5). The sheets (6) are weighed using a weighing system (8) which has been fitted in the cooling turn gear and which weights the sheets (6) when they are turned to an upright position or at least to a nearly upright position. The invention makes it possible to leave out the conveyor weight meter from the press line, thus allowing the press line to be made shorter. The weighing accuracy is substantially better than in a conventional conveyor weight meter solution because only the sheet itself is weighed instead of weighing the relatively heavy conveyor together with the light sheets on it.

Abstract: A scoop has a handle attached thereto by a neck, and a load receiving vessel. The neck has a built in load cell and strain gauge supporting the load receiving vessel, which measures weight in the scoop. An analog-digital converter converts the strain gauge output to a digital signal, which displays the weight as a readout Control switches built into the handle or panel control the functions of the scoop, while indicator/annunciator lights indicate status. Either an inclinometer is provided to correct the weight for tilting, or a visible ball bearing switch is provided to cut off the display at a predetermined angle of tilt. Shock loading protection is provided by a flexmount for the load cell, which gives when a predetermined load is applied, which also provides overload protection. Overload protection is also provided by a check rod or load stop built into the load cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a body fat monitoring device comprising a transparent glass platform which has metal electrical contacts exposed for contact with skin of the toe and heel region of the foot of a user. Activation of the contacts in turn activate electronics which convert the reading into water content of the body of the user, which data is in turn converted into body fat data, being commensurate therewith and calculable therefrom, and which body fat data is displayed on an LCD.

Abstract: Fat weighing scale including a reinforced glass or acry-made square step board and a display panel and several control buttons arranged on front side of the step board. The display panel is connected to internal control chip set and cells. The center of the step board is provided with a conductive section which is connected with the control chip set in the display panel. An upper cover and a seat body are mated with each other on each corner of the step board. Each seat body is co-used with a transmission sensor, a switch seat, a restoring spring, a press leg, a press leg seat and a seat cover mated with the seat body. The transmission sensor is connected with a control chip connected to the control chip set of the display panel. Two conductive wires are wound between two seat bodies on two sides of the step board to serially connect the same. The switch seat is drivingly connected under the transmission sensor and provided with a switch at the center. The press leg is a case having a central projecting post.

Abstract: A weighing device includes a tubular housing, a pair of levers pivotally secured the tubular housing and each having a jaw biased to grasp an object to be weighed and a handle for moving the jaws away from each other against a spring. The jaws are movable away from each other to grasp the object when the handles are moved toward each other, such that the handles may actuate the jaws away from each other to grasp the object. Two links have outer ends secured to the levers and inner ends secured together. The spring may bias the links to force the handles away from each other.

Abstract: A barbeque grill assembly comprises a grill, a frame supporting the grill, a heating element, and a fuel storage tank. A shell receives the fuel storage tank and may have a weight scale to read the fullness of the tank. The shell also offers features such as light and barbeque grill mounts.

Abstract: A fluid sensor apparatus for monitoring fluid in a container. The fluid sensor apparatus comprises a housing having an upper hook extending from a top thereof to allow the housing to be suspended. A lower hook is telescopically received in the housing and extends from a bottom thereof. The lower hook is adapted for suspending a fluid container therefrom. The lower hook is movable relative to the housing. A cam member is located inside the housing and is movable relative thereto. The cam member is coupled to an upper end of the lower hook. The cam member has a stepped gradation. A biasing member is coupled between a lower shoulder of the cam member and the housing. The biasing member is adapted to apply a force against the cam member to cause the cam member to be biased upward relative to the housing to an upper position. A switch is coupled to the housing and has an actuator located in relation to the stepped gradation of the cam member.

Abstract: Load cells 35, 56 on antirotation dowel pins 28a or load mounts 49 indicate brake reaction forces in the disk brake 8, 8a of an elevator. Vertical load cells 72, 73 on bending load cell 80 indicate vertical brake reaction loads on a rail 60. A table indicating the load of an empty car at each of the landings served by the car permits subtracting load components relating to ropes, chains and cables to provide a live load indication prior to brake release; this may be used to determine if the load exceeds the maximum permissible load for the car.

Abstract: A practical and accurate body fat scale which utilizes handheld body fat sensors connected to the scale base to aid in determining body fat content. The handheld sensors detect the higher concentrations of fat located in the upper body, as compared to the lower extremities, and therefore provides an accurate and meaningful assessment of body fat content.

Abstract: A beam scale for measurement of body weight and height according to the present invention includes a frame and a weighing mechanism. The frame includes a base assembly, a pillar assembly, and a horn assembly. The weighing mechanism is housed within the frame and includes a beam, weights, and a lever assembly. The horn assembly may include a transparent holding bracket having a level indicator. The scale may include a height measurement assembly having a height rod, a sheath supported by the horn assembly and the pillar assembly, a measuring arm, and a transparent height-measuring window having a line indicator. The frame may include a quick assembly mechanism to secure the pillar assembly to the base assembly during final assembly, quiet wheels for transport, and/or handle bars to support the user. Much of the frame may be made of pigmented thermoplastic or thermoset materials to reduce manufacturing costs and scale weight.

Abstract: Fat weighing scale including a reinforced glass or acry-made square step board and a display panel and several control buttons arranged on front side of the step board. The display panel is connected to internal control chip set and cells. The center of the step board is provided with a conductive section which is connected with the control chip set in the display panel. An upper cover and a seat body are mated with each other on each corner of the step board. Each seat body is co-used with a transmission sensor, a switch seat, a restoring spring, a press leg, a press leg seat and a seat cover mated with the seat body. The transmission sensor is connected with a control chip connected to the control chip set of the display panel. Two conductive wires are wound between two seat bodies on two sides of the step board to serially connect the same. The switch seat is drivingly connected under the transmission sensor and provided with a switch at the center. The press leg is a case having a central projecting post.

Abstract: For avoiding evaporation-related errors in the calibration of a dispenser by weighing liquid units delivered by said dispenser, an absorbent (9) in a weighing vessel (8) is arranged on a weighing pan (2) and binds the liquid units delivered onto said absorbent. To prevent falsifications occurring as a result of liquid being precipitated onto the absorbent (9), the environment of the weighing pan (2) is kept dry by a cylindrical weighing insert (10) put over said weighing pan. Said weighing insert forms a cavity (15) which receives the weighing pan (2) and is accessible from above through a longer channel (16). Both are surrounded by an inner wall (12) made of gas-permeable material, e.g. porous ceramic, through which they interact with a drying agent (18) which fills the intermediate space between the inner wall (12) and an outer wall (11) a distance away from it.

Abstract: Disclosed is a body weight managing apparatus comprising: a body weight measuring unit; a bioelectric impedance measuring unit; a body water content evaluation unit; and a health condition evaluation unit. According to the present invention, said body weight measuring unit measures a body weight of a person to be measured, said bioelectric impedance measuring unit applies an alternating current to a body of the person and measures a bioelectric impedance value, said body water content evaluation unit evaluates a body water content based on the bioelectric impedance value measured by said bioelectric impedance measuring unit, and said health condition evaluation unit evaluates a health condition of the person based on the measured body weight and the evaluation result from said body water content evaluation unit.

Abstract: A mouse pad is attached to the weighing platform of a scale. The scale electronics are connected to a personal computer through a universal serial bus cable (USB) which also provides power to the scale. The scale may have an integrated, or detached, ergonomically designed wrist-rest with a wrist-rest pad that is positioned to be at the same height above the weighing platform as the mouse pad.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for measuring the flow rate of spoil from a drilling brought to the surface by means of a drilling fluid. The device comprises means of collecting the spoil and means of continuously measuring the weight of spoil collected. The means of collecting the spoil comprise a receptacle in the shape of bucket articulated about a spindle and means of tilting the receptacle in such a way that the bucket is emptied. The measurement means comprise a measuring cell connected to the tilting means in order to measure a stress proportional to the weight of the spoil collected. The invention also relates to a method for the application of a measurement of the spoil flow rate from a drilling.

Abstract: A health care test kiosk includes a carrel body, a controller, a physiological test interface, a seat, and a weight scale. The carrel body supports a console housing and includes a support side panel forming a lateral side and extending beyond the console housing. The controller is housed within the console housing and includes a display and user interface. The physiological test interface is coupled to and supported by the carrel body on the support side panel. The physiological test interface is communicatively coupled to the controller for supplying physiological information to the controller for analysis and display. The seat is coupled to the support side panel of the carrel body. The weight scale is coupled to and supported by the seat. The weight scale is communicatively coupled to the controller for supplying weight information to the controller for analysis and display in combination with the physiological data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved weighing scale for determining a most appropriate antenatal weight of a pregnant woman for each number of the weeks since conception on the basis of the “antenatal weight-to-week” relationship identified in terms of the BMI of the pregnant woman, which index is determined from the height and progestational weight of the pregnant woman, and for making a comparison between the so determined most appropriate antenatal weight and the weight of the pregnant woman measured each week.

Abstract: Disclosed is a separable fat scale including a body weight measuring part for detecting a body weight of a person under test who mounts a weighing platform; electrode parts having thereon at least a pair of electrodes to electrically contact soles of feet of the person under test and formed separately from the weighing platform; an impedance measuring part for measuring impedance of the person under test through his/her soles contacting the electrodes; an input part for inputting personal data including information about physical characteristics of the person under test such as sexuality, age and body height; an arithmetic part for calculating a proportion of body fat in the body of the person under test and/or weight of the body fat under impedance signals obtained from the impedance measuring part, load signals obtained from the body weight measuring part and the personal data input; and a data output part for outputting the calculated proportion of body fat in the body and/or weight of the body fat, wherei

Abstract: A cutting board suitable for commercial or non-commercial purposes in which food can be cut on a cutting surface of the cutting board surface and slid quickly and simply to a separate scale weighing surface of the cutting board surface to be weighed. The weighing surface on which the food is weighed is separately supported by a scale and move upwardly and downwardly independent of the cutting area. The cutting board also includes a visual display that displays information representative of the food, such as, for example, the weight of the food resting on the scale surface. A control panel includes one or more selector switches that allow the user to customize information displayed on the visual display and input information representative of the food. The cutting surface, weighing surface, visual display and control panel are sealed as to prevent food, liquid, washing solution, or the like, from entering the cutting board.

Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor comprises a bladder of flexible material that contains a fluid, preferably in an amount less than the capacity of the bladder when the bladder is unloaded, the pressure of which is sensed by a pressure sensor so as to provide a measure of weight upon the bladder. The bladder is mountable within a seat below the seat cushion and above the seat base, wherein seating loads are distributed across the bladder by the seat cushion and the seat base. In one embodiment, the bladder comprises a plurality of sheets of flexible material that are sealably connected to one another along a periphery, and are further connected to one another at one or more locations within the periphery so as to create a plurality of fluid containing zones that are in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: A drag setting scale includes a hand-held weighing instrument, a wheel that functions as a pulley and a connector that provides a mechanical connection between the weighing instrument and the pulley.

Abstract: A method for controlling a thermogravimetry experiment and for quantitatively determining kinetic constants for decomposition or volatilization reactions using periodic forcing (modulated) temperature functions. A temperature program having a linear part and a periodically varying part superimposed thereon is applied to a sample in a thermogravimetric analyzer. The resulting mass signal is deonvoluted, or separated, into one or more deconvoluted signals.

Abstract: In a drying balance with a balance pan (3) which rests removably on the load receiver (2) of a weighing system, a radiation source (19) for warming and drying a substance on the balance pan (3), and a temperature calibrating disk (4) with at least one built-in temperature sensor (11; 21), the load receiver (2) has a vertical hole (7) into which a pin (6) on the underside of the balance pan (3) protrudes. The housing (1) of the balance has an opening (5) around the hole (7) in the load receiver (2) which is significantly larger than the diameter of the pin (6). The temperature calibrating disk (4) has a plug (8) on its underside with several contacts (9) on the outer edge, which protrudes into the opening (5) without contacting the load receiver (2). The plug (8) establishes an electrical connection with the corresponding mating contacts (10) at the opening (5). The plug (8) has three contacts (9) which are held in a synthetic material part.

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: 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: Disclosed is an improvement in a living body variable measuring device comprising a weight scale-like body having electrodes and a weight sensor equipped therewith, and a box-like display device. The electrodes are used in measuring the bioelectrical impedance appearing between both feet. The weight scale-like body has a storage section so sized and shaped as to accommodate the box-like display device.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for obtaining accurate sample weight measurements during sample heating within a heating cavity by substantially reducing the convection currents that disrupt accurate sample weight measurement. The apparatus includes a heating cavity in which a sample can be placed, a source for introducing microwaves into the heating cavity, and an analytical balance for measuring the weight of the sample while the sample is in the cavity, and an air shield that is secured to the inside of the heating cavity so that the air shield will not contact the analytical balance. The air shield, which is made of material that is permeable to microwave radiation and yet absorbent of volatiles, is positioned in the heating cavity to reduce the convection current rising from the sample as the sample is heated.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of Chemical vapor infiltration and Chemical vapor deposition (CVI/CVD). More specifically, this invention is directed to method and apparatus for weighing parts being subjected to the CVI/CVD process, during the process itself to indicate a weight change thereof. The process may be terminated or altered as desired based upon the weight gain information.

Abstract: The invention is a method of measuring an apparent weight of a substance, while concurrently measuring a surface temperature of the substance and an ambient air temperature surrounding the substance, then predicting buoyancy forces acting upon the substance based on these temperature measurements. Thereafter, the true weight of the substance can be determined by correcting the apparent weight by the predicted buoyancy forces acting upon the substance.

Abstract: A portable postal scale for determining whether the weight of a letter exceeds the maximum for a given amount of postage, for example, one ounce. The scale comprises an elongated beam having a letter holder, a fulcrum, a leveling assembly and a preloaded portion and a wedge shaped piece. The letter holder comprises two upward facing arms forming a narrow slot for holding the letter to be weighed in an upright position. The leveling assembly, which allows the scale to be used on an unlevel surface, comprises a leveling bubble with scribe lines. The portion of the beam from the fulcrum to the end opposite the letter holder is the preloaded portion that has sufficient weight to balance the beam when a letter of predetermined weight is placed in the letter holding slot. In use, the end of the beam opposite the letter holder is placed on top of the wedge shaped piece, which is moved forward or backward until the leveling assembly is level.

Abstract: A hanger device for suspending, dressing and weighing game comprises a main structure having an integrated weight scale for determining a total and a dressed game weight. Two main arms have a proximal end and a distal end. Each of the two main arms are provided with a lift hook at the distal end and are interconnected to the main structure at the proximal end such that the two main arms can slide along the main structure in accordance with a weight on the weight scale. Two lower arms interconnect the two main arms to a bottom portion of the main structure. A locking pin is adapted to prevent weight arranged on the hanger device from being placed on a weight spring. Arm stops are arranged at a position along two main arms such that when the two main arms are widened to a fully opened position, the two lower arms abut against the arm stops to limit an opening width of the two main arms.

Abstract: An infantometer in combination with a pediatric weighing scale. The infantometer has a pediatric-scale mounting means projecting downwardly from the main frame thereof with releasable retaining means for releasably retaining the infantometer to a pediatric scale, where the infant-receiving tray of the infantometer also serves as the infant-receiving tray of the pediatric weighing scale, whereby both height and weight measurements of an infant may be carried out substantially simultaneously.

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 mobile weighing apparatus in the form of a wheeled support structure (e.g., a wheelchair, wheeled bed, gurney, cart, motorized truck, etc.) that is especially adapted to weighing a human being supported by said apparatus. The apparatus employs a plurality of load cells that are respectively attached to a plurality of vertical support elements of said apparatus. Signals from each load cell are routed to a microprocessor which processes the signals and displays the weight carried on the apparatus.

Abstract: A patient hoist having a base, a load sensor mounted to the base and a mast assembly including an elevation arm and a body support member extending from the load sensor. The patient hoist is used to determine a patient's weight while the patient is assisted to a standing position or suspended.

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: An improved mixing scale, such as a paint mixing scale, includes a base which supports a scale pan in a substantially horizontal position. The scale pan supports a receiver container for holding the contents of that which is to be weighed. The mixing scale also includes a backing member which extends upwardly from the base and includes an output display near a top end of the member for presenting the measurement values produced by the scale. Proximate to the output display is a visual flow monitoring device, such as a reflector. Placement of the reflector proximate to the output display allows a user of the mixing scale to monitor the measurement value presentation and the flow of an additive being delivered into the receiver container simultaneously, or at the very least without requiring a physical shift in position by the user which might otherwise disrupt the delivery operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing a patient while the patient remains in bed including at least one flexible potentiometer mounted on top of a bed or mattress having a known compliance, i.e. known degree of flexure for a given weight, and connected to an electrical system for detecting and measuring the resistance of the potentiometer, so as to indicate the weight of the patient. The flexible potentiometer may also be adhered to a sheet of plastic, such as Mylar, and placed upon the bed like a protective sheet for the bed. The apparatus may include a multiple of flexible potentiometers. Further, the device to which the flexible potentiometer is connected may be used to help control servo mechanisms in medication dispensing devices such as infusion pumps and/or hemodialysis machines (artificial kidneys).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for deterring gaming machine theft and fraud by weighing the number of coins accumulated in a gaming machine hopper assembly (9). In one preferred embodiment, a coin weighing apparatus (12) consisting of a load cell (13) and internal strain gauge (18) is constructed integrally with the coin hopper assembly and fits between the coin hopper (10) and its base plate (14). In other preferred embodiments, the coin weighing apparatus (22, 43, 50) is constructed separately from the coin hopper assembly. In these other preferred embodiments, the weighing apparatus includes upper (24, 46, 52) and lower plates (26, 48, 60) which are separated by one or more load cell weighing instruments (28, 45, 56). In operation, the lower plate of this stand-alone weighing apparatus is typically placed against the bottom (8) of the slot machine and the hopper is then simply placed on top of the weighing apparatus' upper plate.

Abstract: The digital force sensor (1) includes a measuring cell (2) which is able to be deformed elastically, the deformation of said cell (2) directly resulting from the force with which a robot arm approaches a discrete electronic component (11) in a magazine, then mounts it onto a printed circuit, and digital means (3) for measuring a displacement representative of the deformation of said cell (2), then supplying in response to said displacement a digital signal corresponding to the direct measurement of the force with which the robot arm approaches, then mounts the electronic component onto the printed circuit.

Abstract: A testing device includes a housing having a number of openings formed in a partition for receiving a number of cups. The housing includes an x-axis track, a y-axis track and a z-axis track. A scale is moved along the x-axis track and the y-axis track of the housing to a position below the cups and is elevated to move the cups upward and to measure the changes of the weight of the cups in a suitable time interval. The cups may receive the desiccating agent, water or the plants whose weight are required to be measured frequently.

Abstract: A fluid sensor apparatus for monitoring fluid in a container. The fluid sensor apparatus comprises a housing having an upper hook extending from a top thereof to allow the housing to be suspended. A lower hook is telescopically received in the housing and extends from a bottom thereof. The lower hook is adapted for suspending a fluid container therefrom. The lower hook is movable relative to the housing. A cam member is located inside the housing and is movable relative thereto. The cam member is coupled to an upper end of the lower hook. The cam member has a stepped gradation. A biasing member is coupled between a lower shoulder of the cam member and the housing. The biasing member is adapted to apply a force against the cam member to cause the cam member to be biased upward relative to the housing to an upper position. A switch is coupled to the housing and has an actuator located in relation to the stepped gradation of the cam member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that electronically measures and displays the size of a fish in a net using an electrical transducer generating a signal responding to the weight of a fish, and electronics converting and displaying the signal to indicate fish weight, length, and/or girth to inform a person of fish size with minimum trauma to a fish.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing patients in Emergency Medical Service vehicles comprising a vehicle, means for securing a stretcher in the vehicle so that each of the wheels on the stretcher are secured to the vehicle floor at a predetermined location, a plurality of generally pad-like members secured to the vehicle floor at the predetermined locations so that each of the stretcher wheels rests on one of the pad-like members when the stretcher is secured within the vehicle and a digital display electrically interconnected to the pad-like members for displaying the weight of the stretcher. Each pad-like member is structured to measure the weight of an object placed thereon.

Abstract: A weight sensing device for a microwave oven. The device has a fixing bracket having a bottom wall defined by a depress portion and a pair of protuberance portions which are provided at both ends of the depress portion and vertically ascending therefrom, and a pair of side walls which are integrally formed with side ends of the pair of protuberance portions and upwardly extending therefrom, a printed circuit board rested on the depress portion of the fixing bracket and provided at an upper surface thereof with a fixed electrode plate, an elastically movable electrode plate which is supported on the protuberance portions in a form of a fixed beam such that a predetermined gap is formed between the fixed electrode plate and the elastically movable electrode plate, a motor assembly which is mounted on an upper portion of the fixing bracket and is rotatably supporting a tray in which articles are placed, and a microcomputer determining the weight of articles based on the capacitance value.

Abstract: An off-scale item sensing apparatus and method which uses a light beam around a portion of the periphery of a weigh plate. The system includes a source for producing a light beam, a plurality of mirrors for directing the light beam along a path around a periphery of the weigh plate, a detector for receiving the light beam, and an alarm coupled to the detector for alerting an operator when the item is placed in the path of the light beam.

Abstract: A fishing hook removing tool having a hollow outer casing with an outer length measurement scale and an inner movable scale. Length measurements on the inner scale, when extended from the outer casing, are additive to those on the outer casing. This allows the length measurement of fish greater than the total length of the outer casing measurement scale. The rear end of the outer casing has a V shaped hook remover with one side of the V being greater than the other. In addition, the inner scale may have weight measurement units on one side and a compression spring within the outer casing to permit the weighing of a fish.

Abstract: A system and a method for remote monitoring of a designated user utilize an integrated scale that is able to measure the body weight of a current user and determine whether the current user is the designated user. The identification of the current user is accomplished by measuring a preselected length of the current user by reflecting sound waves at location(s) that defines the preselected length and comparing the measured length to a corresponding length of the designated user that is stored in the integrated scale. When the current user is identified as the designated user, the integrated scale transmits the measured body weight to a remote monitoring device. The preselected length may be the distance from the bottom of a foot to the knee joint. Alternatively, the preselected length may be the length of a tibia or femur, or the skeletal height.

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.