Abstract: An apparatus for automatically measuring the basis weight and moisture content of a wet reconstituted tobacco web is disclosed. A specimen of the wet web is placed on a cutting surface of the apparatus and smoothed flat. A cutter is automatically positioned by a joy stick over the specimen and a test sequence is initiated. The cutter cuts out a sample of known area and transports the sample to a scale for weighing the sample in its wet and dry states. After the wet weight of the sample is entered into a computer, a heater dries out the sample while it remains on the scale. When the sample is dried, its dry weight is entered into the computer. Based on the wet and dry sample weights and the known sample area, the basis weight and moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco web is calculated by the computer. A disposal device removes the spent sample from the scale by suction and discards it into a waste receptacle.

Abstract: A load indicator conversion system is disclosed for converting a scale having a mechanical measuring system, such as a conventional portable beam scale, into a scale having an electronic measuring system for providing an electronic display, such as an LCD display, corresponding to the load applied to the mechanical load receiver of the scale, such as the scale platform [104], which is mechanically linked via the beam load rod assembly [110] and an s-hook arrangement [150] to a load cell transducer [1]. A single common temperature sensor is employed adjacent the load cell and the associated electronics to provide information on the variations in temperature to the microprocessor for enabling temperature compensation to take place.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for accurately weighing by a ladle weighing unit (2) of a metal melt in a ladle (3), in which the melt can be heated and stirred by power supplied by an induction coil (4). The induction field of the coil (4) is also applied to a coil weighing unit (1) so that the reaction force of the magnetic field influencing the melt is measured. In a weighing system (5), the net weight of melt is calculated by subtracting the signal of the coil weighing unit (1) from that of the ladle weighing unit (2). The weight change per time unit, which represents the mass flow rate of melt from the ladle, is calculated in the control system (6) and is used to control the pressure in the ladle in such a way the metal flow is kept constant.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an automatic apparatus and method for determining the mass-moment of a blade of a jet engine. It encompasses an elongated weighing beam that is lifted up off both the weighing scale and a fixed fulcrum block during the loading and unloading of the blade with respect to the weighing beam. When measurements are to be taken, the weighing beam, with blade attached, is lowered onto the scale and the fixed fulcrum block. The value measured by the scale is sent to a computer for calculation of the blades' mass-moment.

Abstract: A height and weight measuring machine, particularly a height and weight measuring machine comprises a base with a load cell, and an automatic sliding detecting element to measure weight and height of person standing on the load cell, signals detected are transmitted to a remote receiver which has two displays to display the weight and height. The remote receiver is incorporated with a buzzer to give an alert signal upon display of the weight and height. The separate design of the measuring machine and the display unit provides great convenience for measuring weight and height of a number of persons in sequence.

Abstract: In connection with a food processor for any type of food preparation operations, such as mixing, stirring, kneading, or the like, with or without additional appliances that can be attached to the basic body of the food processor, and with an associated weighing system and a microprocessor which at least indicates the weighing results, it is proposed that for determining the weight of the ingredients to be processed a no-friction and no-contact leaf spring support is to be provided for decoupling an outer stationary housing from a decoupling carrier or frame in such a way that all the other components of the food processor are supported by the decoupling carrier and any variations of the weight of the latter can be recorded with high precision by weight sensors, preferably in the form of resistance strain gauges, mounted on the leaf springs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dewatering particle collections with the aid of a filter press in a cyclic sequence comprising filling, dewatering and emptying stages. The various stages within each cycle and between consecutive cycles are followed-up and determined by measuring continuously a magnitude which varies with the mass of the press and its contents, preferably the pressure exerted by the press and its contents on the surface supporting the press.

Abstract: A curbside check-in counter includes a cabinet unit that can be moved from place to place in a transportation terminal while still retaining features that permit a passenger to complete his or her check-in procedure in a manner similar to that carried out at a main check-in position. The check-in counter has a scale unit that is connected to a computer in the unit so baggage can be weighed, and any excess baggage charges noted and assessed. The scale unit can be stored beneath the check-in counter when not in use. The check-in counter further includes compartments for a printer as well as displays for flight information. The cabinet unit further includes compartments for heating and air conditioning systems, as well as trash bins, cash drawers, control panel compartments, and compartments for other units associated with the counter.

Abstract: A scanner/scale system in which power to the scanner light source and/or motor is triggered by a weight placed on the scale and in which the scanner is situated between the load assemblies of the scale and the scale platter is situated above the scanner.

Abstract: A fishing pole is provided wherein the handle is defined as a scale, with a hook projecting coaxially and exteriorly of the handle at a rear terminal end thereof for mounting and weighing of a fish thereon. A further embodiment of the invention for use in bait casting organizations mounts a scale in parallel contiguous relationship relative to the handle, with the hook directed orthogonally relative to the housing of the scale for weighing of fish subsequent to their catching.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for water content determination of soil-water mixtures and of other materials through the use of microwave energy to rapidly dry the material being tested, drying and water content determination being controlled in a preferred embodiment by a computer interfaced with a microprocessor of a digital microwave oven. The invention preferably includes a digital microwave oven mechanically interfaced with a precision digital balance, the oven and balance being operatively interfaced with the computer. As drying in the microwave oven progresses, the computer monitors weigth loss of the test sample as indicated by the balance and controls microwave power levels according to program instructions. The invention is thereby capable of providing rapid, precise and repeatable water content determinations of suitable samples.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveniently and safely weighing and measuring infants including a cloth bed with a foldable peripheral frame divided into a head section, central body section, and foot section which fold upon each other. A folding head panel is secured to the head portion of the frame to place the infant's head against for measuring length by means of a measuring tape running along the longitudinal axis of the top of bed surface. An extensible end section is provided for larger infants. The bed is detachably suspended by three pairs of cords removably secured to a digital scale for weighing in pounds and grams. Included is separate measuring tape for determining the circumference of the infant's head, torso and other desired measurements.

Abstract: A device for the determination of dry substance of specimens consists of a microwave heater (10) and of a balance (5) whose balance scale (4) is located within the microwave heating area (7). This device includes a rotary disk (1) located within the microwave heating area (7) which disk can receive several specimen containers (2) and by elevating means which can raise and lower one of the specimen containers (2) from the rotary disk (1) and place it on the balance scale (4). The elevating means consists e.g. of a lifting device (11) for the rotary disk (1).

Abstract: A blood agitating and weighing device includes a base member and a support member, pivotally mounted with respect to the base member, for journally supporting a container, such as a flexible blood storage bag. A spring member is provided for biasing the support member to a first tilted position relative to the base member and a flexible bladder is positioned beneath the support member. The bladder is expandable in response to the introduction of pneumatic pressure therein to overcome the bias of the spring member to move the support member to a second tilted position relative to the base member. The bladder is contracted in response to the release of pneumatic pressure to allow the spring member to move the support member back to the first position. The support member is therefore alternately moved between the first and second positions by the alternating expansion and contraction of the bladder to agitate the blood in the container.

Abstract: A medical swab weighing apparatus for calculating blood loss comprises a container means for receiving swabs, the container means being removably mountable on a weighing means. The weighing means has a storage means for storing the weight of a dry swab. A programmed microprocessor is provided for calculating the weight of blood absorbed in a used swab each time a used swab is deposited in the container means.

Abstract: A modular construction system is provided for building impulse machines having a computer weight module that is responsive to a floor scale assembly. The weight module is supported on a pedestal which is attached to a base plate of the floor scale assembly. The pedestal is hollow to accommodate an electrical cable connecting the impulse module to load sensing means located within a pressure pad of the floor scale assembly. Additional impulse modules having different themes can be attached atop the pedestal along with the weight module by use of an adapter plate. Thereafter, the type of impulse modules utilized in the impulse machine can be changed by detaching selected impulse modules from the adapter plate and substituting new impulse modules therefor. Moreover, a different number of impulse modules can be supported on the pedestal by interchanging the adapter plate with another, differently sized adapter plate designed to accommodate a larger or smaller number of modules thereon.

Abstract: An electronic balance with scale on top having a drive means for a magnetic agitator which integral onto the balance scale. This enables the work steps of agitating and weighing to be performed simultaneously and by the same device.

Abstract: Cleaning, washing and drying device for weighing machines, in particular combination weighing machines, and weighing machine product feeding means and packaging machines.The invention relates to a weighing machine which is monitored and controlled by a process control and with which a product feeding means to and/or a packaging machine can be arranged.In the cleaning of such weighing machines, in particular combination weighing machines which comprise of a number of individual weighing machines arranged about a mostly circular hopper, the weighing machine must be extensively dismantled and then cleaned by hand, which is very time-consuming and work intensive. In the new weighing machine device the cleaning of the same is to be carried out with thoroughness and as little time consumption and work intensity as possible.

Abstract: Housing/mounting apparatus for a data gathering system inserted into a checkout counter and including a weighing scale and an optical scanner supported thereon for scanning bar code labels and defining an upper weighing surface of the scale comprises a base supported within the checkout counter for supporting the data gathering system with the scale being secured to the base. A perimeter enclosure is secured to the base and houses the optical scanner. The scale includes a spider load receiving plate supported within the perimeter enclosure through an aperture in its floor. Locator pins and corresponding holes stably position the optical scanner on the scale load receiving plate and the optical scanner thus positioned is sized such that clearance gaps required for proper operation of the weighing scale are defined between the optical scanner and the perimeter enclosure. Leveling and fastener or clamping devices are incorporated into the base to facilitate installation and maintenance of the system.

Abstract: A two part data gathering system for use in a checkout counter to determine information relating to products to be purchased comprises a scale freely suspended within the checkout counter for determining weights of products, the scale including a scale load receiving plate located below the upper surface of the counter. An optical scanner is supported upon the scale load receiving plate for reading coded labels on the products. The optical scanner has an upper surface including an optical scanning window through which scanning light beams pass and is vertically positioned such that its upper surface is substantially aligned with the upper surface of the checkout counter when the optical scanner is supported upon the scale load receiving plate. The weight of the optical scanner is eliminated from the weight readings provided by the scale and the upper surface of the optical scanner becomes the scale weighing platter for receiving products to be weighed by the scale.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to measure the moisture content of coal on an on-line basis with a high degree of precision, a moisture content measuring system including a sample container for holding a sample, a weighing instrument having a turntable adapted to rotate with the sample container placed thereon, an A/D converter responsive to a signal from the weighing instrument, a calculator responsive to a signal from the A/D converter for calculating the moisture content of the sample, an indicator responsive to a signal from the calculator and a microwave generating and irradiating apparatus for heating the sample, is improved. The improvements reside in that the system includes a hot gas generator for heating the sample with hot gas at a low temperature, and a dehumidified dry air circulating means for removing moisture from the sample.

Abstract: An electronic scale device which measures weight of an item and calculates a price of the item by multiplying the weight of the item by a unit price of the item, and has printing device for printing out item data including the weight of the item and the price of the item on a label paper or a receipt paper, the electronic scale device consisting of:(a) a memory device for storing member-customer data including customer name, customer address, and total amount eligible for rebate based on total purchase amount, the member-customer data being read from the memory device by imputting customer-identification data;(b) a calculating device for calculating rebate data including rebate amount or a number of points for rebate, based on the total amount eligible for rebate; and(c) a printer control device for controlling the printing device to print out at least one data set including the customer name and the customer address and a second data set including the rebate data on a receipt paper or a label paper by device

Abstract: Comprises a device (1) for measuring the stature of persons and an electronic scales (2) controlled by one and the same microprocessor (13).The device (1) for measuring the stature of persons comprises an emitter/receiver device (3), a height display device (4), a luminous device (5) for indicating the end of the stature measuring operation, an acoustic indicator device (6), a plurality of switches: coin detector switch (7), coin selector switch (8), and fast-reading/slow-reading commuter (9). The amplifier of the emitter/receiver device is of variable gain to linearize the signal.The electronic scales comprises a load cell (10), an analogic/digital converter device (11), a weight display device (12) and a device (19) for storage of the zero and bottom of scale values.Comprises a printer (20), with its controller, providing the ideal weight corresponding to each stature.

Abstract: A heat cooking apparatus accurately detects minor weight variations of an article of food by detecting the weight of the article of food received on a turntable in synchronization with the position of the turntable or its rotational cycle, so as to control the cooking based on such weight variations.

Abstract: A drying balance is disclosed with a means (11) for supplying energy for the drying of material to be weighed located on the balance scale (6,16) and with a digital evaluating unit (23,24,25) for calculating the moisture content from the measured weight loss of the specimen and for determining the end point of the drying in which balance the digital evaluating unit (23,24,25) calculates the inflection point from the chronological course of the weight loss and derives the criterion for determining the final point therefrom. The criterion for the final point consists in that the slope of the drying curve drops below a certain value which is derived from the coordinates or the slope of the drying curve at the inflection point.

Abstract: A self-cleaning weighing hopper to be used in a weighing apparatus is particularly adaptable for utilization with a sticky product. The hopper has two rotary doors containing a series of tined panels. One tined panel on each of the two doors extend toward each other so as to form a hopper bottom to hold a product charge. The panels on the two doors rotate in unison to release the weighed product charge into a receptacle. The hopper includes a comb scraper through which each tined panel rotates following release of the product charge. The comb scraper removes the sticky remnants of the product charge from the tines of the panels while the weighing apparatus is in operation. The doors are operated by a sliding arm in response to an actuator. A pin on the arm is guided by a spring/linkage mechanism along a slot on a guide plate and a stop is provided on the arm to insure proper actuation.

Abstract: Point-of-sale apparatus to be used with an optical scanner for identifying the articles sold, comprises housing to be placed over the optical scanner, a light-transparent window carried by the housing so as to be aligned with the optical scanner when the housing is placed thereover, a weighing scale carried by the housing to weigh the article identified by the optical scanner, and a display for displaying the weight and/or the price of each article identified by the optical scanner and weighed by the weighing scale.

Abstract: An automatic weight detecting device is provided with a platform on which an object to be measured is placed, a supporting shaft for supporting the platform is rotatable and smoothly movable in the supporting direction. A driving motor rotates the supporting shaft, and an elastic member supports the supporting shaft. A load detecting device converts the load of the object, transmitted in the supporting direction of the rotatable supporting shaft through the elastic member into a given electrically physical amount and a weight detecting circuit integrates to obtain the average of the electrically physical amount while the shaft rotates, so that the weight of the object is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is here an electronic weighing machine in which the price is calculated from a unit price set thereto and the weight of the item loaded on a tray so as to display the unit price, weight, and price on the display in a digitalized form and to display the item name on the item name display. Various messages for the sales promotion are stored in a memory such that messages are combined to display a combined message, thereby displaying various messages with a small memory capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and accurately measuring ignition loss of powder samples without requirement of manual handling. The apparatus comprises a weighing section, a heating section and a cooling section which are integrally arranged and the weighing section including a sample supply device and a crucible and tray transporting device. Each of the sections is automatically operated under controlling by a controlling section.

Abstract: A device useful for recording data concerning fish which have been caught. The system includes a carrying case enclosing operative components of the system, including a weighing and measuring subassembly and a data readout display. These are located within one side of the two hinged-together parts of the carrying case. A pre-focused camera is secured in the opposite side of the case, and is carried upon an expandable support structure positionable to photograph a fish supported on the weighing and measuring subassembly, concomitantly with photographing of a digital readout display of the fish's weight, a scalar graphic portrayal of the width and length of the fish, and a digital readout of other important data regarding the fish. The system further includes a computer, computer keyboard and printer by which certain data concerning the fish and the fisherman can be input to the digital readout display, and concurrently printed on a printer tape.

Abstract: A thermogravimetric balance includes a bridge assembly carried by a torque motor, said bridge assembly having, at one end, riser mechanism for carrying a sample pan, and at the other end, first magnetic means for regulating said bridge; further magnetic means positioned intermediate said riser and said first magnetic means for further regulating said bridge; and a furnace device movably encompassing the sample pan.

Abstract: A drying balance with a radiation source (11) for heating and drying a substance distributed on a balance scale (5), with a temperature sensor (8) for monitoring and controlling the output of the radiation source (11) and with electronic evaluating circuitry (33) for evaluating the measured values of the balance and for controlling the drying balance that a temperature gauging disk (14) with another temperature sensor built in be used in order to determine in a temperature gauging cycle the deviation of the output signal of the temperature sensor (8) from the output signal of the other temperature sensor built into the temperature gauging disk (14) and to calculate a correction factor from them and to store this correction factor. Then, the output signal of the temperature sensor (8) is multiplied by this correction factor during dryings in order to obtain the true temperature of the substance.

Abstract: A weighing device for attaching to the handle of a fish landing net or gaff has a tubular inner housing telescopingly received within a tubular outer housing, with a spring received between an annular collar centrally located on the inner housing and an internal shoulder on the outer housing. An "O" ring located on the side of the collar opposite the shoulder acts as a shock absorber and abuts a retaining ring that limits the travel of the collar in a direction away from the shoulder. A second shoulder spaced from the first shoulder acts to limit movement of the collar toward the first shoulder. A friction retaining adaptor attached at an end of the inner housing secures the net or gaff handle to the inner housing, and scale markings on the other end of the inner housing, which can be zeroed to eliminate the weight of the net or gaff, serve to indicate the weight of the fish.

Abstract: An electronic personal weight scale for conveying weight information including health-promoting messages based on departure of measured weight from ideal weight. Information relating to a particular person using the scale is contained in a cartridge in electronic form. The information comprises the person's ideal weight and messages related to the amount by which the person's measured departs from the ideal. The cartridge also contains provision for storing past weight measurements. When the person steps on the scale and selects his or her cartridge, weight information and messages are presented on a display screen which is a portion of a television receiver. A selector switch enables the apparatus to operate in the "Scale" mode and in the "TV" mode.

Abstract: An improved weigh scale and fish landing device wherein the spring scale can be adjusted or zeroed in a tamper-proof manner. In one embodiment the fish landing device is a fish landing net having an elongate handle. The weigh scale includes a cylinder axially journalled on the handle with the handle extending completely through said cylinder. There is an annular chamber within the cylinder exteriorly of said handle with the annular chamber being closed at one end of said cylinder by a bearing end fixed to said cylinder and fitting closely about said handle while allowing free axial movement of said handle. A coil compression spring is positioned in said chamber about said handle and bearing at one end against said bearing end. A transverse pin is disposed slidably in said chamber extending from said handle and protruding therefrom, the other end of said coil spring bearing against said pin.

Abstract: A device useful for recording data concerning fish which have been caught. The system includes a carrying case enclosing operative components of the system, including a weighing and measuring subassembly and a data readout display. These are located within one side of the two hinged-together parts of the carrying case. A pre-focused camera is secured in the opposite side of the case, and is carried upon an expandable support structure positionable to photograph a fish supported on the weighing and measuring subassembly, concomitantly with photographing of a digital readout display of the fish's weight, a scalar graphic portrayal of the width and length of the fish, and a digital readout of other important data regarding the fish. The system further includes a computer, computer keyboard and printer by which certain data concerning the fish and the fisherman can be input to the digital readout display, and concurrently printed on a printer tape.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for measuring the quantity of a dried product, particularly that of a concentrate dried in a pressure filter. The method comprises the following stages: inserting (1) the product to be dried in the drying apparatus, carrying out the drying (1,2,3) and discharging (5) the dried product from the drying apparatus. In order to define the exact quantity of the dried product, the whole drying apparatus is weighed (4) both before discharging the dried product and immediately thereafter. The weighing results are processed in a microprocessor. By means of history recordings of the weighing results, the drying process itself can also be optimized.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for dispensing weight-controlled foodstuff portions includes a housing which supports a removable silo, feeder screw, and blocking plate components which discharge the foodstuff to a dosage cup. A capacitor transducer is employed to support the dosage cup and perform a weighing function. The housing has an opening for receiving foodstuff from the silo which leads to a feeder pathway. The removable feeder screw advances the food to the blocking plate which through a vibratory motion effects discharge to the dosage cup. An electronic control card inputs a weighing signal from the transducer for controlled operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A light-duty fish weight scale which is connectable to generally horizontal elongated supports such as fishing rods and the safety rail of a boat. The fish scale includes a shank formed of slender, flexible resilient material such as wire or a strip of flat sheet material and is connectable at one end to the elongated support whereby the shank is then spaced generally parallel to the support. The shank is adapted to supportively receive the downwardly hanging weight of a fish and be deflected in cantilever fashion in proportion to the weight of the fish. The other end of the shank is adapted, in conjunction with weight indicia connectable to the support, to provide viewable indicia of the actual weight of the hanging fish. In one embodiment, the means for hanging the fish from the shank also provides a pointer to the proper weight indicia, facilitates the stored position for the invention, and provides means for securing the fish hook attached at the end of the fishing line when the fishing rod is not in use.

Abstract: A heating cooking appliance in which a Roberval mechanism, which produces a change in the vibration frequency in accordance with the weight of the food to be heated, is incorporated in a turntable, and the vibration of the turntable is transmitted to the outside of the heating chamber through a magnetic coupling using a magnet to detect a magnetic signal outside the heating chamber. In order to positively pick up the magnetic signal, a yoke is employed in the magnetic circuit and a detecting coil is arranged near the magnet by raising the heating chamber bottom plate, thereby tightening the magnetic coupling. Further, in order to eliminate electromagnetic wave noise, etc., a filter circuit is provided to ensure exact picking-up of the vibration signal. In order to avoid an influence on the magnetic signal of other magnetic field producing devices, the measurement is made either while such devices are not in operation or by using an added magnetic shielding means.

Abstract: A quick-cleaning, scanning/weighing apparatus. A scanning unit for use in scanning U.P.C. data on merchandise to be sold at a check-out counter and a weighing apparatus are combined in one apparatus. The weighing plate is mounted on projections on the load cells associated with the weighing beam assemblies used for weighing the merchandise at the apparatus.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is used to determine the absolute weight of an unknown sample by comparison to a control sample whose weight is known. A piezoelectric driver is resiliently attached to a base that is isolated from vibrations. A piezoelectric receiver and a reed are resiliently attached to the piezoelectric driver so that (1) the reed is moved in response to motion of the piezoelectric driver, and (2) the piezoelectric receiver gives an electric signal out proportional to motion of the system. The entire system is set to operate on the leading edge of the resonant frequency for the system. By applying an oscillating sine wave voltage, such as 140 hertz, to the piezoelectric driver, and by applying a known mass to the tip of the reed, a first output is obtained from the piezoelectric receiver which represents the calibrated weight. Next by exchanging an unknown sample for the known mass, a second output is obtained that represents the second weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an amount of liquid nitrogen, has a table for supporting a Dewar vessel in which liquid nitrogen used for cooling a semiconductor radio detector is contained. A motion conversion mechanism is engaged with the table for converting the movement of the table in the up and down direction in response to changes in the weight of the liquid nitrogen in the vessel and amplifying and movement. The motion conversion mechanism includes a disk rotated by the amplified motion of the table, and a plurality of sensors adjacent the disk for detecting the rotational position of the disk which is representative of the weight of the liquid nitrogen in the vessel.

Abstract: A weight measuring device for a heating appliance includes a heating chamber holding an object to be heated therein, the heating chamber having a bottom plate, a turntable member upon which the an object is disposed for rotating the object, on an upper surface of the bottom plate of the heating chamber, the turntable means having rollers, the rollers providing a stress on the bottom plate by rotating itself, a piezoelectric transducer element disposed on the rear surface of the bottom plate of the heating chamber corresponding to the locus of at least one of the rollers, for outputting a voltage indicative of the weight of the object, a detecting circuit for detecting the voltage from the piezoelectric transducer element and a weight measuring circuit for measuring the weight of the object on the turntable based on the output of the detecting circuit.

Abstract: A weight monitor includes a first part for attachment to a pedestal or other support member and a second part for suspending a blood collection bag to be filled by a flow of blood from a donor. A trough shaped spring interconnects the first and second parts and retains the second part in fixed positional relationship to the first part until the bending force imposed upon the spring by the filling blood collection bag exceeds a predetermined value at which point the spring flexes abruptly and the second part becomes positionally reoriented with respect to the first part. A clamp, associated with the fill tube of the blood collection bag, is actuated by the reorientation of the second part to terminate further flow of blood through the fill tube into the blood collection bag.

Abstract: A food weight measuring device including a turntable for carrying a foostuff, a supporting shaft for supporting the turntable, a detector for detecting the amount of change in a thrust direction of the turntable supporting shaft, responsive to the weight of the food, a converter for converting the amount of change amount in a thrust direction of the turntable supporting shaft to a change in the electrostatic capacity, and means for preventing liquid or dust from contaminating to the coverter.

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.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus comprising a rotary table disposed inside a heating chamber so as to mount food to be heated, and a motor which rotates the rotary table. The rotary table and the motor are integrally supported in a floating state by a resilient member, thereby allowing the food and the rotary table to vibrate or move vertically. This vertical vibration or movement is measured by employing a detector, and the weight of the food is measured from the output of the detector. The rotary table is provided with a biasing means interlocked with a door for regulating the height of the rotary table or stabilizing the same when the door is opened. In the case where the vibration of the rotary table is particularly detected, the rotary table is forced to vibrate by the action of the biasing means thereby allowing highly accurate measurement of the weight of the food.

Abstract: A heating apparatus comprises a housing having a chamber and a door for closing the chamber, and a power supply source to supply heating energy to the chamber. A door-close sensor is provided for detecting when the door is closed. A foodstuff is placed on a table which is vertically movably mounted in the chamber on a resilient support so that the table may oscillate at a frequency determined by the weight of the foodstuff. The housing may be constructed to transmit an impact to the table at the instant the door is closed, or alternatively, means are provided for causing the table to oscillate at the frequency in response to the door being closed. The oscillation of the table is converted to an electrical signal and analyzed to determine the weight of the foodstuff. The power supply source is controlled in accordance with the determined weight.