Abstract: An electronic balance devised so that the weighing pan of the balance may settle down fast to make the balance indicate a correct value of measurement quickly without being long disturbed by the air turbulence arising when the door of the weighing pan protecting chamber of the balance is opened and continuing for a while after the door has been closed. This electronic balance is provided witha heater on the base portion of the weighing pan protecting chamber so that the heater is located just below the door of the chamber. The heater generates hot air streams rising upward therefrom along the outer surface of the door. When the door is opened, the air streams play a role of an air curtain to prevent a possible air exchange between the hotter chamber warmed by the electronic circuit of the balance and the cooler surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: In a drying balance with scale on top and with a radiation source for heating and drying material to be weighed located on the balance scale, the radiation source (11) is permanently located behind the balance scale (5) and a bent cover (7) which functions as a radiation deflector is movably located over the balance scale (5). This makes the construction lower and a moving of the radiation source (11) with its electric connections is avoided when the balance scale (5) is loaded. Moreover, differently constructed inner surfaces (7') of the cover (17) permit the drying balance to easily adapt to different radiation sources (11) and to different drying tasks.

Abstract: A scale particularly for weighing fish which is portable and normally hand held and which includes a strain gauge for sensing the weight of a fish and the strain gauge providing a leg of a Wheatstone Bridge to provide the measuring of the strain placed upon a member to which the fish is attached. The unit includes battery sources for the required power and includes an LED display unit for reading of the weight of the fish. A zero set may be incorporated in the circuitry or a reset to zero reading may be provided. The unit provides a portable, accurate scale for weighing of fish and the unit may also include selective sensing circuitry for reading of other inputs such as temperature of water.

Abstract: A beam scale includes a single weight mounted on a balance beam which is movable to selected positions to establish ranges of weights to be measured. The beam is supported by a flexible member to which a strain gage mechanism is secured to provide a vernier weight signal. The electronic circuitry associated with the scale receives signals indicative of the adjustable weight position and indicative of the deflection of the beam supporting member and totalizes these signals to produce and display a number indicative of the weight applied to the scale. The scale permits the user operator to perform a simple calibration procedure which guarantees the accuracy of subsequent measurements by zeroing the scale and calibrating it between the zero and fifty pound setting of the adjustable weight. This provides a balance beam scale which has greater accuracy than conventional mechanical balance beam scales and is far easier to use, particularly by an untrained person.

Abstract: A scale selectively operative in a weighing mode to measure body weight and in a strength mode to measure muscular strength. The scale includes a base which rests on the ground, above which is a depressible platform to compress a spring interposed between the platform and the base. The degree to which the spring is compressed, either by the platform or by the base, is converted into an analog or digital readout. Anchored on the base and extending through an opening in the platform is an upright post terminating in a handle that is elevated relative to the platform. Also provided is an adjustable stop which is coupled to the platform. When actuated, the stop engages the ground to prevent depression of the platform. In the weighing mode, the stop is disabled, and when an individual steps on the platform, the resultant readout indicates his body weight.

Abstract: Apparatus for quickly comparing the weights of fish and quickly determining whether fish have sufficient length, comprising an elongated balance beam having fish stop means, fish attachment means and fish length indication means at each end of the beam, a handle rotatably secured to the beam at its longitudinal center of gravity and a bubble level indicator secured to the face of the beam.

Abstract: The weight monitoring system provides a visual read-out to compare an actual weight change in a patient undergoing a change of weight treatment against the elapsed time of treatment. In one embodiment, the actual weight loss is displayed in bar form against the elapsed time also in bar form. In a second embodiment, the read-out uses a display screen for graphically displaying a chronological sequence of differences between a programmed weight change and an actual weight change.The monitoring system can be used to automatically control a dialysis unit or may provide readings which permit a manual adjustment in a dialysis unit.

Abstract: An electronic scale controlling a material feed generates a control signal as the material fed approaches a desired weight. An acoustic tone signal varying in accordance with the control signal and reaching a limiting value when the control signal signifies a zero difference between actual weight and desired weight lets an operator know that desired weight has been achieved.

Abstract: A heater-scale having a curved supporting member upon which a bag of fluid to be heated can be placed, has a distributed two-dimensional heating element affixed to a lower surface thereof. The curved member is supported by a load cell for generating an electrical signal proportional to the weight of the bag on the heater member, a thermistor is in contact with the fluid whose temperature is to be maintained, a thermistor is affixed to the heater member, and a control system senses the weight and temperature of the bag of fluid as well as the temperature of the heater member for the purpose of nonlinearly adjusting the electrical current supplied to the heater element as fluid is removed from or variable temperature fluid is added to the bag so as to maintain the bag at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is used to determine a ratio of a second weight with an original weight where the second weight is less than the original weight. 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 read 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 an unknown mass to the tip of the reed, a first output is obtained from the piezoelectric receiver which represents the original weight. Next by removing part of the mass by any convenient means, such as heat, a second output is obtained that represents the second weight.

Abstract: In order to reduce the coupling-in of high-frequency electromagnetic interference into the measuring system of electric balances with scale on top and with a metallic balance scale and a metallic housing, a pin (7) which establishes the connection between the balance scale (2) and the load receiver (5) of the measuring system comprises an insulating layer on its surface which is bridged by a resistor (6) located on the pin (7).

Abstract: A food weight measuring device comprises a table for carrying a foodstuff, a pivotable electrode plate for receiving the food weight, the pivotable electrode plate being pivotably moved responsive to the food weight, a fixed electrode plate for providing an electrical signal corresponding to the food weight in cooperation with the pivotable electrode plate, and an output circuit responsive to the fixed electrode plate for outputting the electrical signal representative of the food weight.

Abstract: A peanut butter press feeding mechanism has a peanut supply hopper which is controlled by a release gate to supply a volumetric feeder. The volumetric feeder ensures that each of four intermediate holding hoppers at a peanut butter press are filled to capacity. A second release gate controls the outlet of the volumetric feeder, which releases the peanuts into a totalizing scale which weighs peanuts supplied to all four of the intermediate holding hoppers. The totalizing scale supplies peanuts to a conveying arrangement having diverting gates which supply the appropriate intermediate holding hopper with a full supply of peanuts. During operation of the peanut butter press, a predetermined amount of oil is removed from the peanuts based upon the total weight of the peanuts used. This is necessary since merely knowing the volume of the peanuts used is insufficient due to the fluctuations in density of each batch of peanuts.

Abstract: A courier clipboard and scale case includes a hollow box with a scale mounted and enclosed therein with a cover hinged to the box and mounting at one end a spring clip defining with the cover a clipboard.

Abstract: A urinary output monitor for determining the volume of fluid in a urinary collection bag during the collection process having a weighing apparatus for weighing the contents of a collection bag and means for substantially isolating the end of a drainage tube from applications of significant forces to the collection container. The isolation mechanism is incorporated into the container assembly in the form of a conduit for interconnecting an inlet connector and an outlet connector which has sufficient flexibility to preclude it from conveying any significant force in a direction along its length which would adversely affect the weight measurement. Since varying forces applied to the weighing apparatus by drainage tube connectors of different catheters are eliminated by the isolation mechanism, fluid entered after offset determination for zeroing the weighing apparatus to compensate for bag weight is included in the total measurement.

Abstract: A microwave vacuum oven for quickly removing volatile material from laboratory samples: The oven has a vacuum chamber for receiving the samples in a closed vessel and a vacuum source for expelling volatile material. This vessel has preferably a deformable gasket for sealing engagement with a top and bottom portion, and a gas passage is also provided therein for easily removing the top portion. Auxiliary components are also disclosed for gradually decreasing the microwave energy output in accordance with residual volatile material present at a given time in a system.

Abstract: A weighing scale involving calculating functions is provided with an automatic control system that can accept words of speech spoken into a microphone as inputs to the automatic control system.

Abstract: Incorporated in a tensile member by which a hopper or the like is suspended from a ground-supported frame is an electronic load cell which is constructed and arranged to report to a convenient control location a signal which corresponds to the tension in tensile member as a measure of the weight of the material such as sand, crushed stone, cement or ore in the hopper. In order to prevent lightning which may strike the hopper or support frame from travelling along the tensile member and damaging or destroying the load cell, the tensile member is electrically isolated from both the hopper and the support frame by bushed connectors wherein the insulating bushing portion is stressed in compression. These bushed connectors simultaneously provide this electrical shock isolating function and both carry the static load and accommodate mechanical shock produced upon sudden changes in load, as when a load of stone is dumped into or dispensed from the hopper.

Abstract: Apparatus for promoting good health comprising a personal weight scale provided with an information and message center for displaying messages to the user relating to weight and maintenance of a desired weight. The scale may be embodied in a standard version for providing standard messages based upon departure of measured weight from desired weight. In another embodiment, the scale is adapted to provide customized information related to a particular medical condition of the particular user. The scale contains an electronic microprocessor for providing messages. The scale may be adapted to a customized form by associating a removable electronic medium with the electronic microprocessor so as to adapt a basic operating program into a custom one for providing custom messages. The custom messages may relate to the particular health condition.

Abstract: A talking electronic scale for encouraging the use of and adherence to a preset diet program is disclosed. A user on the scale actuates a mechanism whose movement is transformed to electrical pulses to provide a digital readout of his present weight on a display. A microprocessor provides an electronic memory for storing a goal weight for the person and his weight each time he weighs, along with the date of each stored weight as well as a series of comments to be voiced. The microprocessor also compares the goal weight with the present weight to actuate a voice synthesis device connected to the microprocessor to provide preselected comments appropriate to the comparison. Audio means connected to the voice synthesis device provides for such comments to be audibly spoken to the user.

Abstract: A novel device to be attached to each weighing hopper of a combination weighing machine is provided for cleaning the hopper by applying an air jet to the inside of the hopper for a short time just after every unloading of the hopper to blow off possible fragments of product weighed sticking to and accumulating on the inner wall of the hopper to affect the tare and, consequently, the combined weight.

Abstract: An electronic balance made free from an error due to ambient temperature variations is disclosed. The balance is characterized in that an electromagnetic force transducer used therein is encased in a constant-temperature casing provided with through hole at the bottom through which a force transmitting means penetrates connecting between a weighing tray and an electromagetic force-coil of said electromagnetic force-transducer. The constant-temperature casing is temperature-controlled at a constant temperature higher than room temperatures to keep said electromagnetic force-transducer free from the effect of ambient room temperature variations.

Abstract: A fuel gauge for indicating the level of fuel in a liquid propane tank comprises a housing mounting a weighing means and a cover forming a weighing platform. A locator means secures the tank on the weighing platform. An indicator means indicates the level of fuel in the tank in response to the actuation of the weighing means. The indicator means includes a scale and an angularly alignable pointer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a body height and weight measuring machine, which operates by means of a winding transmission cord means to drive a sliding plate having sensing, measuring, and digital display functions. When the sliding plate moving upwards, the sensing means will receive the refracted infrared rays as a result of a person's height to cause said winding transmission cord means to stop moving; then, a correct height and weight will be displayed thru digital display means. The aforesaid height measurement and its digital display are done by means of a photocell sensing means being coupled to a scale plate that includes a black and transparent strip in alternate arrangement and equal width so as to have said photocell sensing means generating a forward or reverse sequence sensing signal during the sliding plate moving; then, said signals will be shown on a display means driven with driving circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically determining the test weight per bushel of grain utilizes the principal components of the standard approved test, namely a stoppered bottom hopper, a measured quart kettle and a stroker. The operation of the stoppered bottom and the stroker is automatic by virtue on being mounted on a reciprocating slide. The test kettle is pivotally mounted for dumping by a drive motor, and the entire dumping drive motor arrangement and support is mounted on a load cell for weighing the measured grain in the test kettle. The operations are automatically controlled in sequence, first taring the load cell, then unstopping the hopper bottom, next stroking the test kettle, then reading the load cell and last dumping the test kettle to prepare for the next test weighing.

Abstract: A weight measuring arrangement for a cooking appliance in which a surface heating unit also functions as a scale platform. A three arm cantilever beam supports the heating unit. A set of four strain gages measures the strain of the three support arms, with one gage each being attached to each of two identical support arms and the remaining two gages being attached to the third arm, which arms are constructed such that the strain measured by each of the gages secured to the third arm is one-half that measured by each of the gages secured to the two identical arms when the ends of all three arms are equally deflected by a utensil placed on the surface unit for heating. The gages are electrically connected in a Wheatstone bridge network such that the output voltage from the bridge network is proportional to the weight of the load carried on the surface unit. This arrangement can be used to monitor the weight of the items being heated, throughout the heating period.

Abstract: A weighing and supporting device for liquid container kegs, such as those for beer. The device comprises a flat, keg-receiving platform beneath which is located a weigh scale, the platform being pivotable between an inclined, dispensing position and a horizontal, weighing position. In the latter, the platform rests upon the scale and is free to move up and down on that scale to enable the platform and a keg supported thereon to be weighed. By taking periodic measurements of the weight of the keg supported on such a device, the need for a liquid metering device in the line of liquid flow from the keg is avoided.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus, which is suitable for weighing livestock. The apparatus s formed by a crate, which is open at at least one end and provides a platform on which an object to be weighed may be located, and a frame encompassing but spaced from said crate. The crate is slung by a single point from said weighing device mounted by the frame.Crate restraining means maintain said crate in a spaced relationship from the frame. The restraining means comprises a single flexible member and a single anchor point and tie on each end of said crate and a single mounting on opposite sides of said frame. The arrangement is such that in use when said flexible member is tensioned and anchored the crate is restrained from lateral movement against the frame without affecting vertical loading on the single point weighing device.

Abstract: A container for material such as fertilizer or seeds which delivers same to an underlying distributing device is mounted on a tractor so that the weight of the container and associated equipment is indicated to the operator of the tractor whereby the amount of material remaining in the container is specifically indicated. The weighing apparatus includes a spring, pointer and scale incorporated in the supporting structure extending from the tractor for the container and associated equipment and the pointer and scale may be interconnected to the spring and mounted on the tractor for the convenience of the operator. In one embodiment the spring is a tension spring at the top of the supporting structure and in another embodiment it is a compression spring near the bottom of the supporting structure. Instead of a spring, the weight may be indicated by hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic system for the supporting structure.

Abstract: A weighing system for a grinding machine which calculates the weight of material removed by the grinding machinery during a grinding procedure. Power signals from a watt meter indicate the power consumed by the motor driving the grinding wheel. The weight of the material removed since the previous calculation is then periodically calculated from the power signals. This incremental weight removal value is then added to the sum of a previously calculated incremental weight removal values to provide an indication of the total weight removed from the workpiece. The calculation also includes a coefficient indicative of the grinding efficiency of the grinding wheel which, in turn, is a function of the density and hardness of the material in the workpiece, the grinding characteristics of the grinding wheel, and the peripheral velocity of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: An electronic scale apparatus which provides weight control information, and a method of controlling weight which employs a scale apparatus. The apparatus comprises a scale member for measuring the weight of a person at a selected point in time. An electrical signal is generated in response to the measured weight. The apparatus further includes a memory for storing weight information. This weight information may include a base weight introduced previously into the memory. The apparatus includes an electronic circuit in which the generated signal is processed so that the weight of the person at the selected point in time can be compared against the base weight. This circuit also enables the calculation of a weight change based on the comparison. A display member is operatively connected to the electronic circuit for displaying the calculated weight and/or percentage of a weight change to a selected goal.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling soiled surgical sponges is provided, where at least one or two arrays of pouches are formed along the length of a strip of thermoplastic material, where the pouches are oriented so as to be contiguous one to another at adjoining sides, or an adjoining top or bottom, or both. Each of the pouches may be provided with a flap to close the pouch, whereby the risk of contamination is reduced. The thermoplastic strip having the array of pouches is adapted for suspension along its top edge, and may thereby be associated with an operating room kick bucket directly, or indirectly, or with a holding frame, and also with a weighing scale, whereby soiled surgical sponges may be counted, weighed and disposed of with a minimum of handling.

Abstract: A particle size analyzer of the sedimentation type in which a cup-shaped member is used to deposit the particles in the sedimentation fluid substantially simultaneously and at low velocity. The particles are ultrasonically dispersed as they are deposited in the fluid and are collected by a balance member which detects their receipt as a function of time. An electronic circuit connected to the balance member determines the size of the particles through the use of Stokes' Law and an empirically determined relationship between the settling velocity of the particles and their size.

Abstract: A postage scale, which may also serve as a letter opener, has a substantially flat elongate body with grip means at one end thereof for holding a letter or similar article in perpendicularly depending position. The grip means preferably consists of a wide-mouthed slot termination in a bore through a central portion of the body. A plurality of ribs or equivalent balancing means is used to determine the weight of the article.

Abstract: A weight measuring, price computing and packing apparatus has a weight measuring unit, a packing device for automatically packing a commodity, and a label printer. An unpacked commodity is placed on the weight measuring unit, which is located at the inlet passage of the apparatus, and the unpacked commodity is weighed there. Before the weighing operation, required data concerning the commodity is inputted into the weight measuring unit. After weighing, the weighed commodity is advanced along the inlet passage of the apparatus to the packing section, in which the weighed commodity is automatically packed. After packing, the commodity is displaced to the outlet passage of the apparatus, where the printing and labelling unit is located. The printing and labelling unit uses the measured weight and other inputted data to print a label, and then adhesively affixes the label to the packed commodity.

Abstract: A blood collection bag is suspended from a leaf spring, which leaf spring, on being repositioned a specified distance by the weight of a properly filled blood collection bag, energizes an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit generates a pulse to momentarily energize a coil in proximity to a permanent magnet and momentarily disrupt the magnetic field of the magnet. A clamp for terminating the flow of blood to the blood collection bag is actuated upon the disruption of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A food preparing machine has an electric motor for driving food processing implements in order to eliminate the need for a separate weighing unit or for a volume-measuring unit when measuring different ingredients, the machine is provided with a weight-measuring device which is connected by way of an electric circuit in the machine to a display on the casing of the machine, for showing the weight of the ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention offers an "automatic digit display machine for measuring height and weight" which can measure the height and weight of human body at the same time by virtue of an illuminant (LED or bulb) on the top of the machine to slopewise emit a ray downward illuminating the human head. The ray reflects to a plane mirror which, in turn, further reflects it to a sensor (CDS or photo-electric crystal) so as to stop the impetus of flexible transmission. Meantime, the metal contact sliding upward stops at the certain position of circuit board, and thru the special circuit design of the circuit board, the digit of height of human body is displayed by the drive circuit display device.The weight of human body is displayed with digit by the said display device thru the said drive circuit in line with the micromotion generated by the weight-measuring result from the high-class scale body in general.

Abstract: An electronic cash register electrically communicates with an electronic weighing scale. An interface circuit is included in the electronic cash register for introducing weight information data from the electronic weighing scale into the electronic cash register. An abnormal condition detection system is included in the electronic cash register for detecting an abnormal condition occurring within the electronic weighing scale. The electronic cash register includes a synthetic speech sound generation system for audibly informing an operator of the abnormal condition detected by the abnormal condition detection system.

Abstract: In mail-weighing machines the values determined by a weight measuring device (20) are supplied in digital form to a programmable set-value store (27). The set-value store (27) and the codifier (23) supplying the digital, measured values are connected to the display device (24) via a first multiplexer (26) which alternatively supplies to the display device (24) the output signal (25) of the codifier (23) or that of the set-value store (27). In a manually-actuable selector device (38), different postage tariffs can be set which conform to different groups of addresses of the set-value store. The output of the first multiplexer (26) is one input to a second multiplexer (31). A time clock (32) or other source of information is connected to the other input of the second multiplexer (31).

Abstract: A device for measuring sponges comprising, a measuring device for indicating the weight of an applied object, a retaining device applied to the measuring device for retaining a plurality of wetted sponges, and a determining device associated with the measuring device for determining the total weight of liquid in the retained sponges.

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 combination rule and scale is disclosed in which the weight of the rule is used to counterbalance the weight of an object, such as a letter, and provide a measurement of the object's weight. In one embodiment the combination rule and scale comprises a coilable tape rule having both linear and weight gradations thereon. The rule's case is adapted to be supported in a suspended condition in alignment with its center of gravity and includes a clamp device for supporting an object to be weighed on the casing. By extending the tape rule on the side of the tape opposite the support device, the casing can be balanced and the weight of the object determined.

Abstract: A microwave oven cooking time scale for predetermining cooking time for a known amount of food to reach a predetermined temperature for a predetermined heating efficiency of the food in a microwave oven. The microwave oven cooking time scale includes a balance beam scale with food positioned at a fixed point on one side of the balance beam and a counterweight adjustable along the length of a cylindrical information chart rotatably engaged on the balance beam. The counterweight includes a pointer which indicates on the rotatable cylindrical informational chart the proper cooking time to reach a predetermined particular temperature. The cylindrical information chart is divided as a function of time and temperature on an x-y axis and can be subdivided as a function of cooking efficiency, cooking power, and cooking moisture on the y axis. The cylindrical information cylinder is replaceable for different models or manufacturers of microwave ovens.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus for indicating weight which includes a scale for body weight, a calorie scale carried by the body weight scale, standard weight setting scale coordinated with the calorie scale so that a calorie intake will be indicated to lower or raise the body weight to bring it to the standard weight and an exercise scale for indicating amount of exercise and coordinated with the calorie scale to modify the calorie intake in accordance with the calories utilized as a result of the exercise.

Abstract: A writing instrument which will function both for writing and for weighing small items such as letters. The instrument has a tubular body housing a member slidable within it and can slide in and out of one end. The slidable member carries a writing tip such as a nib, lead or ball point. The other end of the tubular body is closed by a plug which carries a letter holding clamp and a spring is provided between the plug and the slidable member.

Abstract: A movable platform supports a bottle for liquefied petroleum gas, a pointer is connected to that platform to move when that platform moves, and adjustable spring means urge that platform to move in a direction which will move that pointer toward an "empty" position but that adjustable spring means will permit a "full" bottle to hold that platform in a position wherein that pointer is spaced away from that empty position.

Abstract: An electronically indicating torque wrench utilizes a variable frequency stress transducer to detect the level of torque applied by the wrench. The stress transducer is operatively coupled to an arm of the wrench, said arm having a mechanical stress that is a function of an applied torquing force. The output of the stress transducer is compared to a reference whose calibration corresponds to desired torque settings. An indicator provides audible and visual indications when the applied torque equals the desired value.

Abstract: The weighing instrument has a receiving tray and an index mark displaceable in front of a fixed dial graduated in weight. It comprises means enabling the user to place, in a position enabling it to operate in association with said index mark, any one of several removable scales which are calibrated, for categories of foods of similar characteristics, in at least one of the magnitudes involved in dietetics and proportional to the weight of the foodstuffs placed on the tray. The instrument is useful in feeding in cases of obesity, diabetes, low calorie, low sugar, low protein, low fat or low residue, etc. diets.

Abstract: The pulley-block balance comprises at least one loose pulley, a hollow coaxial support fitted with ball-bearings for supporting the pulley or pulleys, and a load-lifting hook. Coupling means between the hook and the support comprise a movable member which is capable of undergoing displacement at least at the point of application of the force arising from the load and is subjected to a restoring action in the direction opposite to the force. The movable member controls load-indicating means as a result of its displacement.