Abstract: In a scale with a weighing cell, which can generate weight signals representing the weight of a load each time something is weighed, and with a signal processing system which receives the weight signals and generates: weight data on the basis of the weight signals, information determined on the basis of the weight data such as purchase prices, and/or weighing data containing identification data designating the weighing operation or group of associated weighing operations in question, an elaboration is proposed, according to which the signal processing system has an encryption unit, which can generate encryption data on the basis of at least some of the weighing data, where the signal processing system can transmit a data record containing at least the portion of the weighing data used to generate the encryption data together with the encryption data.

Abstract: A body weigh scale that mounts into a floor of a room, for example in the floor of a bathroom, and that is designed to receive tiles or other floor covering materials thereon. A weighing mechanism of the body weigh scale generates weight information and transmits that weight information to a remote countertop or wall mounted display. The display may normally show a clock or another displayed item, and may convert its view to show weight units when a user steps on a platform. The display may also be configured to receive medical information from other medical devices, such as blood glucose monitors, heart rate monitors, or blood pressure monitors. The medical information may be shown by the display, may be received by the display and transmitted to another computer (e.g., at a hospital), or may be stored in the display for later transmission or evaluation.

Abstract: The apparatus and method is provided that employs a “radiopaque” object to count and account for surgical sponges in an operating room. A radiopaque object is embedded in surgical sponges so that a scanning device can detect and count a large number of the sponges within a container. The container is designed to minimize contact with the sponges by humans. In addition, a surgical team can insure that no surgical sponge is left in a patient without performing the messy and time-consuming job of individually counting sponges as they are entered and disposed of from the surgical site.

Abstract: An electronic balance provided with a self-diagnosis function comprises a connection port for connecting the electronic balance to an external communication terminal. When a self-diagnosis function is performed, the previously stored address in the electronic balance is used to connect the electronic balance over a line to a specific Web site through the external communication terminal connected to the connection port so as to transfer a diagnosis data to the Web site. At the Web site, the diagnosis data is evaluated and the evaluation result containing measures to be taken in response to the diagnosis data is returned. The electronic balance displays contents of the returned data on a display section.

Abstract: Traditional electronic onboard scaling patents teach methods of attaching only permanent components to a vehicle to determine axle or vehicle weight. This patent teaches a method of using a combination of low-cost permanently attached components and a more expensive Portable Electronic Meter that can be shared between the multiple vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weighing device consisting of a plurality of functional units (1-13) which can be positioned in relation to each other in any spatial arrangement. Signals are wirelessly exchanged between said functional units.

Abstract: A scale provides a user with a display of a nutritional parameter on the basis of the weight of the food being weighed. The values for a plurality of food items can be accumulated and a single nutritional parameter characterizing a complete meal or recipe may be displayed.

Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.

Abstract: The invention comprises a balance (1) with at least one digital weighing cell (2, 3, 4, 5) and an evaluation unit connected to the balance. The digital weighing cell (2, 3, 4, 5) is provided with memory elements (12, 13, 14, 15) in which the weighing cell parameters and the system parameters of the balance (1) or code numbers formed thereof are stored in an unmanipulatable manner by known methods such as audit trail counters, for example. The evaluation device is embodied as a program controlled data processing device (7) and is directly connected to the balance (1) or weighing cells (2, 3, 4, 5) provided therein. The measured data of the digital weighing cells (2, 3, 4, 5) which are calibratable and/or not calibratable are read out by the program-controlled data processing device (7) during each weighing process (7), in addition to the stored weighing cell parameters and system parameters of the balance (1) or the codes formed thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the weight of patients in a wheelchair are disclosed, including two portable weight measurement devices, wherein the devices measure the weight imposed on two wheels of a four wheel wheelchair, and a receiver that accepts weight measurement data from the portable weight measurement devices. The weight data exchanged between the two portable weight measurement devices and/or with the receiver may be transported over wireless connections.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device, especially a measuring device, for handling individual processes, in the course of which at least one value is generated, with a characterization unit, which can be operated to generate characterizing signals for characterizing the individual processes, and with a unit for assigning the values generated during the handling of the individual processes to the processes characterized by the characterizing signals, where the characterization unit has a receiver for receiving the identification signals which are generated in the vicinity of the device during the handling of the individual processes and which identify the processes, on the basis of which identification signals the characterizing signals are generated

Abstract: A seat load measuring apparatus that can provide an accurate load output even when one or more sensors are exerted with a load in excess of its measurable load is provided. In a first instance, the output of each load sensor is read at Step S11. Subsequently, at step S12, whether or not there is any sensor whereof the output is in excess of the predetermined value is determined. If no output of these sensors is in excess of the predetermined value, it is regarded as normal, and the seat weight is obtained by summation of the outputs of the sensors at Step S13. When the output of any sensor exceeds the predetermined value, it is determined that an offset load is exerted thereon and thus the output of the sensor in question cannot be trusted. Therefore, the seat weight obtained immediately before the output of any of the sensors exceeds the predetermined value is regarded as the seat weight.

Abstract: A load cell and system for detecting the quantity of liquid carbon dioxide in a tank includes load cells positioned between the legs of the tank and a surface. Each load cell includes a frame constructed from a folded metal plate so that a top panel, sides and ends are formed. A beam having proximal and distal ends is suspended from the top panel of the frame by its proximal end and a spacer. A platform support is positioned upon the distal end of the beam with a platform on top. The platform support passes through an opening formed in the top panel of the frame so that the platform is supported above the frame top panel. A leg of the tank is secured to the platform. A strain gauge circuit is mounted to the top surface of the beam and a summary board receives the signals from the strain gauge circuits of multiple load cells so that the quantity of liquid in the tank is determined. This quantity may be displayed and/or transmitted as telemetry to a centralized delivery truck dispatching facility.

Abstract: A vehicle weight classification system recognizes the various factors that influence system performance. Some of the factors are compensated for using analog signal processing circuitry or techniques. Other factors are compensated for using digital signal processing techniques. The unique combination of analog and digital approaches, rather than pure analog or pure digital, provides an effective solution at addressing the various factors that influence signals and system performance in a vehicle weight classification system while keeping the cost and complexity of the system within acceptable limits.

Abstract: The hand held scale of the present invention comprises a rectangular casing with a weighing platform, for supporting items to be weighed, a touch display screen, for displaying the weight of the objects and controlling the functions for the scale, and the electronic components for controlling such. The scale is preferably an electronic scale, where downward forces on the weighing platform are sensed by a transducer which produces an electrical signal indicative of weight. The visual display is touch screen. The touch screen display controls the calculator of the scale, which can also perform arithmetic calculations on the results of the weighing function. The calculator function can be used to perform price calculation based on unit price and the weight of the object. For example, the weight of the object can be transferred to the calculator function by depressing the weight on the touch screen display. The weight can then be multiplied by the unit price to determine the total price.

Abstract: A display and operating element (1) for an electronic scale with a display area (2, 3) in which the weighing results and values, parameters or selection lists can be displayed for user prompting either separated spatially or in succession over time, and having at least one button (6-8) for operating the scale. The display and operating element (1) has a rotary knob (4) on one side that turns in both directions to cause the values, parameters or marked areas of the selection list displayed in the display area (3) to change in one or the other direction. A button (5) is assigned to the rotary knob (4) as an acknowledgement button. Operation of this acknowledgement button (5) causes the value, parameter and marked area of the selection list selected using the rotary knob (4) to be accepted into the electronic evaluation unit of the scale. Accordingly, simple and fast setting of values and/or parameters and a fast selection of a specific item from a selection list can be achieved.

Abstract: In a freight shipment system and method, the lift trucks used by the freight carrier for handling and loading freight shipments are equipped with a weighing device capable of weighing each piece of freight handled by the lift truck. The lift truck is also equipped with a scanner for scanning coded identifying information associated with each piece of freight. As each piece of freight is handled by the lift truck, the coded identifying information for that piece of freight is captured along with the weight of the load. This information is transmitted to a computer system where it can be used for real-time invoicing. The system can also use the captured information to perform additional automated functions, such as tracking of shipments, freight loss control, and assisting in avoiding overloaded trucks.

Abstract: A sensor unit having a sensor and an adjustment unit is welded to a vehicle. After the mounting of the sensor unit, a receiver unit externally receives modification information for modifying the load signal adjustment. Thereby, the load signal outputted from the sensor is adjusted by the adjustment unit responsive to the modification information to be externally outputted. Thus, alter the mounting of the sensor unit, the receiver unit receives the modification information, and the adjustment unit adjusts the load signal supplied from the sensor based on the modification information. This allows the sensor unit to unitarily have the sensor and the adjustment unit. Thereby, the adjustment unit can be modified by the modification information externally supplied. Accordingly, the sensor unit with the adjustment unit can be applied to various types of vehicles.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a weight control system utilizing the on-board weighing of the driver and one or more passengers. The display and input are effected through a touch screen and/or voice commands and the individuals's identification is registered in memory as are previous weighing states so that with control progress can be monitored. To compensate for different clothing and footwear which might contribute to false reading, the system dialogues with the individual with respect to clothing and footwear.

Abstract: A method and device for electronically controlling inventory utilizing multiple modularized integrated load cell weight indicating devices. An inventory monitoring system is provided having a central system controller and one or more modules. Each module includes a master integrated load cell weight indicating device having a microprocessor based controller, a communications controller, a A/D converter, and a weight indicating device. Connected to each master integrated load cell is one or more slave integrated load cell weight indicating devices not utilizing any separate communications controller or microprocessor-based controller. In practice, communications are implemented utilizing a data structure indicating a module address, a individual weight indicating device subaddress and a command and passed between the central system controller and the module. Both the integrated master and slave load cell include only a top platter and a load cell, with no base structure supporting the load cell.

Abstract: A control for a weigh scale associated with a continuously moving conveyor which is capable of mathematically positioning the sample period on each product weight waveform. The control first triggers on a predetermined sensed weight. The control determines a first inflection point on the weight waveform defined as the “maximum positive slope.” Once the maximum positive slope is found, the control begins recording weight samples at a sampling rate. The control checks the weight waveform of sampled weights for a slope which is a first pre-selected percentage of the maximum slope but negative in slope value. This point is determined as the “weight-off-scale” point. When the weight-off-scale point is reached, then the control looks backward through the recorded data of weight samples to find another point which has a slope which is a second preselected negative percentage of the maximum positive slope. This point is defined as the “end sample position.

Abstract: The method for determining the mass of a vehicle comprises at least two measurements (6, 8) offset in time within a measuring period by which are determined respectively at least one traction variable (2) and at least one movement variable (4) of the vehicle, one of the two measurements (8) being effected during a traction-free phase and the other of the two measurements (6) during a traction phase. According to the invention, it is proposed that each of the two measurements comprises one data collection period (6, 8) the duration of which is longer than a minimum duration, that the traction variable corresponds to the timed integral of the traction and the movement variable to the change of speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic scale includes a weighing unit coupled to a processing unit. A data memory device is coupled to the processing unit and stores a list of diseases and associated constraints of food consumption. The user may establish personal constitution feature data in the memory and associates the personal constitution feature data with one or more diseases in the disease list. The memory also stores nutrition/calorie data of a number of different categories of foods as a food list. When a particular food is being weighed, the user may select the category of the food in the food list and the processing unit performs calculation of the nutrition/calorie of the particular food. A warning is issued if the user's personal constitution feature data indicates that such an amount of nutrition/calorie is not acceptable to the user for health purposes. Electrodes are coupled to the processing unit for measuring and calculating body fat of the user.

Abstract: A body weigh scale that displays a user's weight in a gravity system other than where the scale is being used, such as a planet, the sun, the moon, or another celestial body. The body weigh scale includes a conversion component that converts the user's weight to the other gravity system. In one embodiment, the scale utilizes a mechanical weighing mechanism, having an analog display, and also has a digital display, where weight information is generated, for example, by a pulse counter. The user's weight may be simultaneously displayed both in the “home” gravity system where the scale is used (e.g., the earth), and another, “away” gravity system (e.g., the sun). The display of the home weight may be via an analog dial, and the display of the away weight may be via a digital display such as an LCD.

Abstract: A display unit for a measuring instrument, particularly for a weighing balance (1), has at least one line-shaped pointer element (25, 27) presented as an image on a display screen composed of individually controllable image dots. The image dots are aligned in the customary dot-matrix arrangement along two grid axes. The display controller is programmed so that the line-shaped pointer element, as it sweeps through its display range, maintains a constant slope angle in relation to the grid axes.

Abstract: A device for controlling a physical system, such as a flow of pedestrians, in an extended area is suggested. In comprises a plurality of identical cell units with preferably hexagonal shape. The cell units are assembled in tile-like manner to form a floor. Each cell unit is equipped with a weight sensor, lamps of different colors, and optical communication ports as well as power connectors for connecting it to its neighboring cells. The cell units can be programmed to generate signals that control the physical system, such as signs understood by the pedestrians. Due to its modularity and simple design, the device is easy to install and maintain.

Abstract: A device for weighing fluid includes a scale from which a fluid receptacle is suspended. Oscillations in the weight reading due to the pendulous motion of the receptacle are suppressed by a digital filter selected to have rejection notches at the frequencies of weight oscillation.

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: 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: Apparatus and method for adjusting a steering wheel extending from a front console of a vehicle in which at least one motor is coupled to the steering column or steering wheel and is at least automatically controllable without manual intervention to adjust the steering wheel relative to the front console. A system determines at least one morphological characteristic of a driver and a control circuit is coupled to the system and the motor(s) for automatically controlling the motor(s) based on the morphological characteristic(s). In this manner, the position of the steering wheel can be adjusted for each driver and can be changed when the driver of the vehicle varies between sequential uses.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for remotely reporting errors on weighing equipment. The reporting system provides error and diagnostic information for one or more scales to a central service center. The system includes a scale instrument in communication with a service center. Upon receiving load sensing information from the scale, the scale instrument reports the information to the service center. This information may include weight readings, error messages and diagnostic messages.

Abstract: The invention disclosed consists of weighing apparatus and process that includes a new Calibration management utility to automate compliance testing to ISO 9000 requirements and has the “load cell symmetry”, “empty platform” and “test load” readings for each load stored on the weighing apparatus. This weighing apparatus makes periodic tests to determine the health of the load cells in the system, producing a log file to record events such as any detected failure, any suspicious reading, overload condition, or any user defined parameter, and is network enabled to be connected through a LAN via an Ethernet to the Internet.

Abstract: The multiple load sensing multi-load cell scale is described that provides improved utility to scales with multiple decks that share load cells near supports so that more than one load may be determined at the same time on a single scale. In more detail, the scale uses the sectional sensitivities to load movement on the scale decks, load position and individual normalized load cell outputs to provide separate load magnitude measurements on these individual decks. According to the present invention, more than two load cells associated to form a single scale provide outputs that are converted to individual digital representations of the relative force magnitude on each. These magnitudes are related to the effective location of each load cell to provide the load centroid location on the scale when the sum of the products of the effective location and magnitude of each is divided by the sum of the magnitudes.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for determining weight of an occupying item in a seat including one or more weight sensors arranged to obtain a measurement of the force applied to the seat, a forcing function determination arrangement for measuring a forcing function of the seat and a processor coupled to the weight sensor(s) and forcing function determination arrangement for receiving the measurement of the force applied to the weight sensor(s) and the measurement of the forcing function from the forcing function measurement system and determining the weight of the occupying item based thereon. The forcing function determination arrangement may include an accelerometer and measures effects on the seat caused by load of a seatbelt associated with the seat and/or effects on the seat of road roughness, steering maneuvers, and a vehicle suspension system.

Abstract: After power supply, a CPU, serving as warm-up duration calculation clock, calculates duration for warm-up operation from temperature characteristic data of a load detection part on the basis of a power shut down duration, for notifying it's warm-up operation state by a display device on the basis of the calculated duration for warm-up operation.

Abstract: The invention disclosed consists of an Internet scale, which is comprised of a weighing platform with an integrated Internet connection/browser means. This scale will allow the connectivity and communication with the Internet or Intranet without the use of a separate Internet connection means. It will have the ability to take a weight from a weighing apparatus, update an HTML form automatically with the new weight value and obtain the new charge/cost for the specified method of shipment from an Internet server. The Internet scale will act as an Internet appliance and perform communication with the Internet and peripherals required for a small footprint shipping system.

Abstract: A control for a weigh scale associated with a continuously moving conveyor which is capable of mathematically positioning the sample period on each product weight waveform. The control first triggers on a predetermined sensed weight. The control determines a first inflection point on the weight waveform defined as the “maximum positive slope.” Once the maximum positive slope is found, the control begins recording weight samples at a sampling rate. The control checks the weight waveform of sampled weights for a slope which is a first pre-selected percentage of the maximum slope but negative in slope value. This point is determined as the “weight-off-scale” point. When the weight-off-scale point is reached, then the control looks backward through the recorded data of weight samples to find another point which has a slope which is a second preselected negative percentage of the maximum positive slope. This point is defined as the “end sample position.

Abstract: A measurement system comprising at least two units, at least one unit having a measurement system, at least one unit having a control and indication system, and each unit having a telemetry system. The system is electronic. The measurement means measures physical characteristics selected from the group consisting of weight, tension, temperature, level, caster, camber, spring rate, pressure, torque, torsion, air density, hardness, sound level, and humidity.

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

Abstract: A balance including a weighing pan (2; 32), a weigh sensor (8; 38) with a housing (1; 31) enclosing the weigh sensor, and an antenna (7; 37) configured to communicate with a transponder (4) that is, e.g., associated with or attached to an object being weighed (3). The antenna (7; 37) is arranged in a horizontal plane in or below the weighing pan (2; 32) and the weighing pan is preferably made of an electrically poorly conductive material. As a result, the antenna is almost invisibly integrated in the balance and does not interfere with the placement of the objects being weighed on the balance.

Abstract: An electronic balance provided with a self-diagnosis function comprises a connection port for connecting the electronic balance to an external communication terminal. When a self-diagnosis function is performed, the previously stored address in the electronic balance is used to connect the electronic balance over a line to a specific Web site through the external communication terminal connected to the connection port so as to transfer a diagnosis data to the Web site. At the Web site, the diagnosis data is evaluated and the evaluation result containing measures to be taken in response to the diagnosis data is returned. The electronic balance displays contents of the returned data on a display section.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a living body measuring device which, once the personal information having been set therein, executes an arithmetic operation simply by making a measurement without requiring a user to remember his/her personal memory number.

Abstract: A device for weighing fluid includes a scale from which a fluid receptacle is suspended. Oscillations in the weight reading due to the pendulous motion of the receptacle are suppressed by a digital filter selected to have rejection notches at the frequencies of weight oscillation.

Abstract: In a method an arrangement for controlling a dynamic scale is set via an input unit according to the respective requirements for processing a mixed mail stack, the setting optionally ensuing on the basis of selected shipping parameters and/or operating parameters that are displayed via a display unit. A modification of the operating parameters and data corresponding to the setting can be undertaken and stored in the non-volatile memory of the scale. Weighing of a supplied piece of mail takes place and a controller drives a conveyor of the scale such that the piece of mail is transported to a further processing station dependent on the operating parameters and data that have been set.

Abstract: A computerized composite system for individual and group remote monitoring and directing weight control procedures of human subjects. The system having a computerized central processing system with a software database and software management system to facilitate direct management and utilization of input data and responsively linked to one or more remote subject computer units having individual electronic weight scales with visual displays and being interfaced with the central processing system.

Abstract: An apparatus which measures the body weight of an individual, comprising a platform for supporting the individual to be weighed; a plurality of sensors disposed within the platform for sensing a force exerted on the platform indicative of the weight of the individual and generating an analog signal proportional to the sensed force; electronic means for combining the analog signals from the plurality of sensors to form a combined electronic signal indicative of the weight of the individual; a processor for generating a digital signal based on the electronic signal for driving an electro mechanical actuator for displaying the measured body weight on a display device, the display device comprising a graduated dial having at least one concentrically arranged scale and a rotatable pointer, the pointer driven in rotation by the actuator according to the processor to a position on the graduated dial which corresponds to the measured body weight of the individual.

Abstract: The invention disclosed consists of weighing apparatus and process that includes a new Calibration management utility to automate compliance testing to ISO 9000 requirements and has the “load cell symmetry”, “empty platform” and “test load” readings for each load stored on the weighing apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic balance is provided in which influences due to a four-corner error can be eliminated from an indicated value of weighing without strictly conducting mechanical adjustment, so that correct indication can be always performed.

Abstract: Electronic scale including a line power voltage supply (5); a line switch (9); and a separate voltage supply (20), which is independent of the line powered voltage supply (5) and which supplies at least one clock module (22) with voltage. The scale has a normal operating state in which all the electronic components are supplied with voltage, a standby operating state in which the essential heat-generating components are switched on while components susceptible to deterioration over time and the display (3) are switched off and, in addition a further operating state (sleep mode) in which the line switch (9) is open. After expiry of a prescribed time and/or at a prescribed time of day, the clock module (22) automatically terminates the further operating state and switches over into the normal operating state or the standby operating state.

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